The blessed month will soon be upon us once again. With 29 or 30 days of fasting and sacrifice, in order to bring ourselves closer to Allah (SWT). In order to build excitement and love for such a noble month- check out MyTenNights’ list of the most overlooked Ramadan facts below:
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is sandwiched in between the months of Shaʿban and Shawwal. The day of Eid, falls on the first day of Shawwal.
- Usually known as ‘The month of Fasting,’ Ramadan is actually identified in the Qur’an primarily, as the month when the Qur’an was revealed.
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:185]
- Fasting is not only an act mandated for Muslims- other nations were obliged to observe some type of fasting, in a similar way.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous,” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:183]
- Fasting is of the most beloved acts to Allah (SWT) and he alone will decide how to reward it. A hadith from the Beloved Messenger (PBUH) states:
“Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.” [Bukhari]
- In 2021, the longest Ramadan fast was seen by Muslims in Greenland who spent approximately 19 hours and 57mins of each day fasting. Conversely, the shortest fasts were seen in the southern hemisphere- Muslims in New Zealand spent 11 hours and 20 mins of their day fasting.
- The shortest fasting days in the UK occur around the winter solstice, December 21. Therefore, the easiest Ramadan in the UK (and northern hemisphere in general) will next occur around 2033.
- The fast of Ramadan, only becomes mandatory on a person who has attained the age of puberty.
- There can be a presumption that fasting such long hours is detrimental to health- however recent studies by doctors, have shown that fasting can reduce high blood pressure, decrease inflammation- resulting in better health, as well as giving the digestive system a period of rest which improves a person’s metabolism. These are just a few of the benefits. Allah (SWT) revealed in Surah Al Baqarah:
“…But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” — Surat Al-Baqarah 2:184
- Fasting should also be accompanied by an increase in other acts of worship- especially those which are obligatory. The daily prayers must be guarded, as well as other additional acts such as kindness to others, giving in charity and recitation of the Qur’an increased. One hadith states:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, then Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink.” [Bukhari]
- One hadith of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) stated that the Prophet Dawud (AS) used to fast most frequently- every other day!