Preparing for Ramadan

Ramadan, the month in which Muslims fast for 29-30 days without food or drink, is coming in a few days.

Because the Arabic months and the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar system, we have to wait for the moon to show up to start fasting (the next day). This year Ramadan may begin on August 1.

I am trying to prepare ahead of time for Ramadan by reading verses, hadiths or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad sws, articles, and listening to lectures on Ramadan to fully embrace the holy month.

Rituals in Ramadan include fasting from dawn until dusk, by beginning with a pre-dawn meal (suhoor), and breaking of the fast (iftar). During the night Muslims will pray Tarawih or extra prayers for a full-on spiritual awakening. 

The Prophet said,  "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." 

During physical fasting, Muslims must also refrain from gossiping, cheating, back-biting, lying, or doing any sins which may take away the blessings of fasting. God says in the Quran fasting was prescribed to learn self-restraint and to help people become better.


"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous. (2:183)"

Deeds during this month are multiplied from 10-700 times.

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward... (Muslim).

What a beautiful way to spiritually bring yourself back to God.

Happy Ramadan!

More verses on Fasting in the Quran:  http://quran.com/2/183-187
http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/qhfast.asp