Ramadan

Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the lunar year and is an important festival of the Muslims. Because this festival is connected with the month of Ramadan, it came to be known as `Ramadan'.

Actually Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar Year; when the "Holy Koran or Quran" was send as a counsel from heaven by Allah or God for the well being of mortals in 615 AD. The festival of Ramdan gained its name from this month of Ramdan.

All over the world, the Muslims observe the Ramadan month by fasting rigorously to attain purification of the soul and body and to become more close to the divine being-God. This religious rite of fasting during Ramadan is known as "Sawm". This entire period is marked by earnest prayers and worship of God. During Ramdan, Muslims normally go to the Masjid or mosque and spend several hours studying the Quran. Besides the 5 daily prayers, they also say a special prayer called the Taraweeh (Night Prayer). On the 27th evening, Muslims observe the Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power) with the belief that the Holy Koran was brought out in the 610 AD by God.

Smoking, meat consumption, drinking, and sexual relations are strictly prohibited during the time of Ramdan or the period of fasting. However the sick and ailing people, elderly people, children and soldiers are excused. Betrayals, lies, defamation, false promises are considered extremely detestable and offensive during Ramadan and are bound to wipe out the goodness of fasting.

This period of conventional fasting ends when the crescent moon on the western horizon is visible. The end of Ramdan marks the beginning of Id-Ul-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking) which is celebrated for 3 days. The festival of Idul-Fitr starts on the first day of the month of `Shawwl'. The most significant part of the festival of Idul-Fitr is the giving away of food to the needy and the poor people. It is believed that any person has plenty of food must contribute according to the scales prescribed by Islam.

In the morning after taking a clean bath, the Muslims wear new clothes and visit the mosque or the Id-Gah or Id-Gali to recite the congregational prayer led by the Imam. After the religious sermons delivered by the Imam and the ending of the other ceremonial functions, the Muslims get back home and then socialize with their friends and relatives.

After the prayers the Imam delivers the sermon pointing out the extreme importance of the occasion. Returning home after and the sermon they visit friends and relatives. They exchange gifts among themselves and finally grand feasts follow.

In some parts of Kerala, for example Chavakkad, Muslim women wear beautiful jewelry and attires, observe this event by paying visits to their kith and kin and also indulge in entertaining activities. They coordinate themselves into groups and pass their time in merry-making, singing and dancing.

One of the striking characteristics of the celebration of Id- Ul-Fitr in Kerala is to invite members of the sister communities to participate in such festivity. In this way the relation of brotherhood as well as friendly communal relations is maintained amongst the members of various communities and the Keralites.

Muslims all over the world celebrate this festival with great pomp and express gratitude towards God.