It’s again the same time of deep spiritual reflection. The holy month of Ramadan is now underway and Muslims are fasting from dawn to dusk to observe the period.
Ramadan is an opportunity to forgive, let go, and focus on what is most important. It allows us to be productive instead of spending time thinking about grievances in our life that can make us angry or depressed.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting and to celebrate the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 610 CE. Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Power, is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) and usually falls within the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is considered the holiest night of the year.
Ramadan is taken from the root ramida, meaning “scorched”. The month was named Ramadan because, as per the faith, it burns the sins of people with righteous deeds.
During Ramadan, observers are expected to abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. It also involves arguably the more taxing challenge of avoiding ill speech, arguments, loss of temper and malicious behaviour. The fasting is intended to focus the mind on prayer, spirituality, and charity and to purify the body and mind.
How do Muslims fast in places where the sun never, or scarcely, sets? Areas in the Arctic Circle, including Lapland, Finland and Sweden can experience little or no sundown during the summer months.
The longest fast duration will be 21 hours 59 minutes in Greenland on 15th June. On the contrary, people in Chile will fast for the shortest period of time i.e.10 and half hours on the last day of Ramadan. In some cases, local scholars have said it is permissible to follow the timings of the closest city that have distinguishable day and night timings or follow more reasonable dawn and sunset times of another country.
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