An Exploration of the Chronicles of Ramadan

Describe what happens in the past of Ramadan.

Ramadan is one of the five Pillars of Islam, also referred to as Sawm. Ramadan is very much essential for all Muslims to take part in, in a way Ramadan is very similar to the Christian event called Lent, where Christians fast. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, as for the calendar used in the UK and most other countries, there is no set date or time for Ramadan, it is constantly changing. As the Islamic calendar is mostly controlled by the moon, Ramadan is ever changing each year. Every year, Ramadan changes by going up ten days, so no year date is the same as the Ramadan date for the year just done. This can become a very difficult month for Muslims when the month of Ramadan is in the summer, where the heat is scorching in many Islamic countries. It then falls down to the strength of a Muslims faith, and their devotion to God. Ramadan lasts for approximately thirty days in total, each day lasts a certain time. As the days get longer and shorter, varying as each day goes past there is no set time which is the same for every day. A Muslim's fast begins from dawn to dusk, lasting many hours. But this is nothing really compared to what others may feel in the real world, Muslims are just getting a small taste of the agonising hunger, which grows and begins to take it's toll over many peoples' lives. The fast usually begin near the time of Fajr, the first prayer of the day; and finished usually before Magrib, the forth prayer. All Muslims are to fast, it is an essential part of being a Muslim. But certain exceptions are made for the elderly, sick, pregnant and children. Those who can fast, must do so and if they miss any of the thirty fasts they must be made up for as soon as possible. Women who are in their menstrual cycle at the time of a fast, have to miss it and make it up as soon as they can.

Between that period of time, Muslims cannot eat or drink, neither can they engage in any form of sexual behaviour or smoke . Ramadan is a sacred time which only comes once a year, thirty days out of three hundred and sixty five is not a lot to ask for. Very much the opposite, this is a short period of time when Muslims are urged to do good deeds and to also perform religious prayers which they may usually miss. Once a Muslim is awoken from slumber, they can eat as much as they wish, but after a certain time, all meals are stopped and the fast has therefore begun. Many Muslims take the necessary things before the fast has begun, such as medicines. This way the fast is not as dangerous as it could be for some, some people choose not to eat and this is fine as it is not a necessity to eat. Once the fast has begun Muslims usually read Fajr, which is very close to the fasting time, already they are beginning to become closer to Allah. After that, Muslims can either return to sleep or can continue praying or reading the Qur'an. The day has now begun for Muslims in Ramadan, they must concentrate on staying away from terrible things and on keeping this fast. Fasting, for many Muslims strengthens self-control and makes them determined to keep the fast throughout he day. Ramadan this year begins on October 27th, but not all Muslims begin Ramadan on the same day. This is mainly because, the beginning of Ramadan all really depends on whether the moon is seen. Some Muslims see it earlier than others, therefore they begin fasting before some do. But others, see it a little later and begin fasting shortly after. Many make long-distance telephones to Makkah enquiring about the start of Ramadan, and when Ramadan date is officially known, in some Muslim countries, where this would be permitted, Ramadan is announced on the radio, sometimes a cannon is fired or there is some other public signal. The brginning of Ramadan is awaited with enormous excitement, fr this is a month of goodness where God will help all Muslims to achieve good things.

Muslims are forbidden to use foul language, lie, slander others, gossip and other bad things, although this is frowned upon all year round, during the month of Ramadan, it is even worse for any one of these acts to be done, also causing the person to cause more sins than usual. Although, it may be difficult for some, there are also many good aspects of Ramadan. Such as more rewards for doing the simplest of things. It is harder for Muslims to do bad things, during Ramadan because so many others are making an effort. Many things can break the fast, such as injecting oneself with medicine, drinking, smoking, even breathing in others' cigarette smoke can break it. There is a hadith in the Qur'an, which concentrates on Muslims who fast, yet do not stop doing bad things: "If you do not give up telling lies God will have no need of your giving up food and drink." A fast, can last very long sometimes, depending what year it is and what the times for dawn and sunset are. During this time, Muslims can benefit from the many things that Ramadan offers, such as: overcoming selfishness, strengthening ones self-control, experiencing what others in the world may be feeling on a every day basis, and then learning to understand them better. It is very possible to cheat in Ramadan, and sneak a piece of food or a drink when no one is looking, but Islam teaches Muslims that God is always with you, always watching what you do, never leaving you lonely. This helps Muslims to master their self-control, helping them to become a better person.

Although Ramadan is special because it is usually known as a time for good, it is also the month where Prophet Mohammed (s.aw), received his first message from Allah.

Even more exciting, then the beginning of Ramadan is the meal with ends the fast. It is a wondrous feeling of joy and achievement after each day. Just knowing that they have completed a fast successfully for Allah is enough reward for Muslims. Knowing that they are doing something, which many millions of other Muslims are doing is great, a feeling of belonging somewhere overtakes a Muslims body. The food that breaks the fast is called Iftar. It is sensible not too eat too much so soon after the fast, for having no food for so long and then suddenly having loads can make a Muslim sick. When the fast is over, many Muslims go and see other Muslims, and share what the day was like, it is a time where all Muslims are united, with a strong bond which no one can break as this is a bond made of faith and belief. Muslims feel happy after the fast is over, knowing that not all non-Muslims know what they have just done, gives them a sense of secrecy.

Ramadan is a wondrous time, where each fast is important and seen as special.

The importance of Ramadan to Muslims and ways in which their lives are affected.

Ramadan is easily seen as a special and life-changing time. It can change a Muslims life enormously, usually for the better. During each fast, Muslims are able to share what feelings others may have in the world. This can help them to become more compassionate and understanding towards people who are struck with poverty, famine and starvation. It can change a person from the inside, helping them to become better people who do not judge or look over others. It makes Muslims look at what it is like being someone who is suffering from something they did not cause. If also helps a Muslims obedience to God, making them regret it even more then usual if they do something they shouldn't, this is a better way of making sure that they don't do it again. Ones own conscience is very important in Ramadan, it can determine what a Muslim does in certain difficult situations which may be faced during Ramadan; to take, to not to take, that is the question. This is a re-written quote from one of Shakespeare's famous plays, only this time it shows the choice for a Muslim who can either take some food or leave it and continue with their fast. People can forget themselves, when faced with something they are attempting to avoid, the mind is forgotten and the body can easily take over. Muslims can make their mind strengthen to control the bodies movements during the day, this can be very helpful even after Ramadan is over.

Ramadan helps many Muslims to become closer to one another, whether they are family, friends or even strangers. Ramadan is something many Muslims will have in common it is an easy topic to discuss and they can share ideas and tips on how they coped through each of their fasts, through Ramadan friends can be made which can also strengthen their faith, knowing that there is someone else there. Those who feel lonely can come together and share things, such as the breaking of their fast. During Ramadan, no one can be lonely because they have so many other Muslims around them and their bond with God is at it's strongest. It is a time, where all a Muslims sins can be forgiven if they do the right thing, they are given chances to re-write their fate, something many Muslims try to do. They pray, read the Qur'an and do other religious things, during Ramadan, it is seen to be very good to do these and if they get into the habit of performing religious prayers and such this can lead on after Ramadan in over.

The sacred month of Ramadan changes Muslims' lives altogether making them better people who understand what others are feeling. It helps them to change their attitude towards others making them more friendlier and kinder. It makes them think before they place a judgement on someone else.

C) Fasting has both advantages and disadvantages for Muslims, agree? I agree with the statement that "For Muslims, fasting has both advantages and disadvantages." But, for me there are more advantages, than there are disadvantages.

The advantages are that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast. By doing this they understand the problem of hunger and starvation, first-hand. Muslims appreciate the hardships faced by many across the world, by feeling it themselves. By feeling how hundreds of other people feel around the world, especially in the third world countries, it helps Muslims to understand other people better, and to sympathise. It's okay to just say you're sorry about these things, but if you've had a little experience it helps Muslims to become better people. By fasting, Muslims are continually reminded of their own good fortune, and realise how they take it for granted, it helps Muslims to become aware of the good things they have, which others don't and helps them to appreciate it making them a better person all-round.

When Muslims fast, they learn self-control. They have to be able to control their natural urges for food, but Ramadan helps Muslims to take control of their body. Ramadan gives Muslims a better reason than their body can provide them with, Ramadan helps to ignore that hunger which has curled into your stomach and is growing, by repeatedly reminding us that what we are doing, we are doing for God. Muslims, during the month of Ramadan are not, controlled by what is known as 'appetites' such as food, drink and sexual behaviour. Whilst Muslims are fasting, they may become weak-willed and feel the need for food taking over them, other Muslims can encourage them to stay true to their fast and to God. This gives that person the gentle push that they needed, and they'll probably become more friendlier with the other person; making it the experience to not seem to hard. It helps Muslims to not give into selfish, lazy or greedy feedings. Ramadan is the time of the year when Muslims make an extra effort to be nice and kind towards each other. In Islam it is important to remember that the worship of God involves a particular form of behaviour towards others. A Muslims behaviour towards others should include respect, love and friendliness. During Ramadan, a Muslims behaviour should be even better than usual, they should especially not do the following things: Lie, quarrel, speak unkindly to others or be involved in any type of wrong behaviour.

Another advantage for Muslims who are fasting, it that it does their body good, to go without certain things for a period of time. Although fasting can be very hard for Muslims, they have the reward of feeling satisfied with the knowledge that what they are doing, they are doing for God. The satisfaction, which is achieved by Muslims cannot be measured it is too great, for any scale.

During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims believe the reward given for doing acts such as reading the Qur'an are greatened. So, during this month, Muslims keep their television sets off, and in place set out their prayer mats or get out their Qur'ans, 'tis a month where religion is at it's height. So, this to me is another advantage of Ramadan. Muslims are rewarded with extra bonus', for small things. Religion is strong, as God has keeps the gates of Hell shut during Ramadan, so there is no Devil or any such being to distract Muslims from God, and Islam. Religion is seen as a strong thing in Islam, and to be able to follow the five pillars of Islam, and other good things without distraction is a blessed thing. Muslims are even more religious during the short period of time, for example, reading the whole Qur'an during the 30 days of Ramadan is seen as a natural thing to do. Muslims forget about watching certain things on TV, and concentrate on reading Namaz (pray). The first prayer, Fajr, is much easier to read for Muslims, as it is very near to the time they get up early to eat. Praying as a result, is easier and better.

There is only one disadvantage, in my opinion to Ramadan which is: when Muslims fast, they will probably feel the hardships of it, and it may be difficult for them if they are working or are at school in a mixed environment, where not everyone is fasting. They may see others eating and drinking, and they themselves are fasting. This may make the Muslim feel awkward and uncomfortable. Whilst fasting, Muslims must conquer their hunger, by ignoring it and instead thinking of God. But their hunger cannot be forgotten so easily, there are many things which could stop them, such as walking past shops which sell food, even in the windows; seeing others eating etc. Not everyone has to fast just because Muslims do, making it difficult.

But bar that one disadvantage, for me, Ramadan is a time of goodness.