Rahmadan- guide to fasting in Rahmadan
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The Muslim Calendar, of course is based on the Arabic calendar, actually has all the names long before Islam. Most of the names of the months are actually based on the climate at the time or big event which took place. Today's calendar is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar which is based on the solar cycle, so months usualy shift. In the pre-Islamic days, the Arabic calendar was a lunisolar calendar which used both the lunar months, but was also synchronized with the seasons by the insertion of an additional month known as an intercalary month. This the reason why the names of the months using the seasons come from. Of course now that the calendar is purely lunarcycle, the names do not follow the seasons anymore.
MUHARRAM - is the first month. This month's name is taken from the word "Haram" which means forbidden. There was a custom in Arabia which forbade fighting during this month. It is one of the four sanctified months of the year. Fighting in this month is looked down upon and is often put to the side in respect for Islam. Muslims fast on the tenth day because Adam and Eve, heaven and hell, life and death, fate and the pen were created on this day.SAFAR - literally means ?the void month?. The origin of this word has two theories the first says that when the pagan Arabs went on their looting expeditions they would leave their houses empty or ?sifr? meaning void. The second theory says that the word is derived form the Arabic word for yellow called ?sufr? as when it was first named it fell in the time of autumn, hence the derivation the word yellow as all the leaves at that time turned yellow. It is held to be the unluckiest month of the calendar, as in this month Adam was turned out of the Garden of Eden. A third meaning is "whistling of the wind". When this name was assigned to this month, it was probably a windy time of the year (hence, Autumn).
RABIUL-AWAL - literally means the first month of spring. It seems it was spring time when the name was given.
RABIUL-AKHIR - literally means the last month of spring. Some Arabs also know this Rabiul Thani which means the second month of spring.
JAMADIL-AWAL - The first month of summer. "Jumada" means dry and the word Jumda, from which the name of the month is derived, is used to denote dry parched land land devoid of rain, and hence denote the dry months.
JAMADIL-AKHIR or JAMADA ATHANIA - The last or second month of summer.
RAJAB - Another one of the sacred months in which fighting was forbidden prior to Islam. This was one of the most respected months for the Arabs. It is also called Rajab al Fard. Fard means alone; because the other three sacred months come one after another, except this month. The lexical definition of Rajaba is "to respect", which is where the word Rajab has been derived from and so Rajab denotes ?the honoured month?.
SYA'BAN - This month's name was derived from the word "shu'ba", which means branch. The Arabs used to branch out during this month to look for water. This is the month of ?separation? or branching, so called because the pagan Arabs used to disperse in search of water. On the fifteenth night of this month falls the Shab-i-Barat ?The Night of Records?; on this night Muhammad told his followers that the Al-Mighty records all the deeds that the humans have to perform for the next year.
RAMADAN - The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn" and ramda means hot stones. This tells us that when this name was given, it was a very hot time of the year. The entire month is spent fasting from dawn to dusk. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. The Qur'an was sent down to the earth during this month. Furthermore, the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell would be closed.
SHAWWAL - Shawwal means ?tail?; so named because of the fact the she camels, after being with their young for seven to eight months, start to raise their tails. Also taken from the word "shala" which means "when the female camel gets pregnant". When this name was given, the female camels used to get pregnant during this time of the year.
ZULQAEDAH - The Arabic word "qa'ada" means to sit and another derivation of the word is ?Master of Truce? as the pagan Arabs did not conduct war during this month. This is the third sacred month in which fighting was forbidden. The people also used to stop their business activities during this month and sit and prepare for the Hajj (Pilgrimage).
ZULHIJJAH - literally means ?Lord of the Pilgrimage?. It is during this month that pilgrims from all around the world congregate at Mecca to visit the Ka?ba.This is the last sacred month in which fighting was forbidden. This is the month in which the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) was performed.
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Of course now that the calendar is purely lunarcycle, the names do not follow the seasons anymore.
Peace,
(
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light, and measured out stages for it that ye might know the number of years and the calculation. No wise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand. (5)
Is it not enough for you to understand from the well-established verse that the Moon and its Stages (Full, Crescent) are what Moslems ordered to use to calculate periods of time.
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And the Moon We have measured for it stages, till it returns like the old "3rgoon"(39)MOON Stages is what Submitter Use to Calculate Period of time, Months and years.
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Hello
It is clarified if you translate shahru and ramadhan correctly.
Paix.
Exactly.
If you translate "shahru ramadhan" correctly, the timing of it is completely explained in the Scripture, it's not left up to forming dates and arbitrary time periods out of thin air.
Peace.
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Exactly.
If you translate "shahru ramadhan" correctly, the timing of it is completely explained in the Scripture, it's not left up to forming dates and arbitrary time periods out of thin air.
Peace.
Salaam
I would appreciate if you could elaborate further. It has become a typical attitude on this forum that participants leave a topic unsolved with some vague phrase.
peace
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Exactly.
If you translate "shahru ramadhan" correctly, the timing of it is completely explained in the Scripture, it's not left up to forming dates and arbitrary time periods out of thin air.
Peace.
Peace
Let Us end this debate in truth.
Is this Shaher Ramadan;
http//oblate-spheroid.blogspot.com/2008/02/leap-year-red-moon-lunar-eclipse.html
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Peace
Let Us end this debate in truth.
Is this Shaher Ramadan;
http//oblate-spheroid.blogspot.com/2008/02/leap-year-red-moon-lunar-eclipse.html
Salaam
I am afraid if you end the debate on your evidence as the last word then it does not solve anything.
I still ask Soof and Ahmed Bilal to explain further how they understand "shahru ramadhan"I hope Ayman would be kind enought to answer for the sake of all Neil's concerns.
peace -
Salaam
I am afraid if you end the debate on your evidence as the last word then it does not solve anything.
I still ask Soof and Ahmed Bilal to explain further how they understand "shahru ramadhan"I hope Ayman would be kind enought to answer for the sake of all Neil's concerns.
peaceEnding the debate in the truth is what matters;
The Truth is Month = Shahar
The Truth is Rammadan = the month when Moslem Fast.
The Truth is Scorching Moon does not happen in Summer time as Ayman Said nor in any other spacific time; morover Scorching Moon does not happen every year.
The Truth is Moslems should use the Moon Stages to Calculate the period of Month.
The Truth is "Witnessing " can be done by Sighting or by Hearing.
The Truth is Blind people can Fast as other Moslems.If the above is not The Truth from our Lord, what else can it be.
I worship The God who Makes his Message very Clear to every human to understand hail
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http//www.free-minds.org/articles/science/timing.htm
Salaam Soof
If this is your authority then please could you explain the two laylat al-qadr scenario as raised by Neil here
Peace all,
I have read Ayman's articles on Ramadan and Laylat Al-Qadr and have questions that I hope can be answered.
http//www.free-minds.org/articles/science/timing.htm
Ayman you seem to say that Ramadan is around the time of the summer solstice (first full moon after it until the next full moon) and that the restrictions on game hunting associated with Hajj in the following months have much to do with the seasons and animal behavior within these months. I quote below.."The timing of the restriction is significant, especially given that the restriction is on hunting wild-life. Interestingly, the restriction doesn't cover domesticated livestock animals (see 51). Why is that? The answer may be because summer is the time when most wild animals and even wild birds give birth. By killing a wild female animal, you are not only killing it but you would also be inadvertently killing all its new-born off-spring who cannot feed and fend for themselves...."
"...Of course, our analysis indicates that the restriction period would be different between the southern and the northern hemisphere. This is fine. There is nothing in the great reading that indicates that they should be the same for people all over the world. We should orient our direction to the truth from our Lord wherever we are, whether in the Southern or Northern hemisphere (see 2149). "
I understand that Ayman means that in the Southern Hemisphere Ramadan will take place after the first full moon after the summer solstice here (I am in Australia) ie after 22 December. Consequently I also take Ayman to mean that we will also have our own 'sacred/restricted months' in which we in the Southern Hemisphere will observe our own Hajj in the months after our Ramadan and hunting restrictions which are appropriate in those months?
If there are 2 Ramadans does it not follow that there are also two sets of sacred months/hajj? Will the location of Hajj cater to pilgrims over a period of 6 months in the year or are there two different locations? surely not?
It also follows that there would be two laylat al-qadr per year? Will there not also be two calendars with two different new years day as the count of full moon months is to begin in the period between one summer solstice to the next?
Thanks for your clarification
peace
Ps I am off to bed now and, as I see Ayman is on line, hopefully I'll read his response this morning.
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Bring forth a Scripture better than this in guidance, if u truthful
2183 O you who have believed, you are ordered to fast as those before you were eat , it could be that you fear and obey ( God). &
2184 At certain times ; so whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then finish at differnt times handshake. And concerning those who cannot endure it eat, they may redeem by feeding any of the poorest of the poor handshake; and whoever gives alms volutarily then it is best for him yes; and it is best that you fast, if you are able. yes
2185 The Quran was sent down in the hottest month sun, to guide the people and to clarify the guidance and the Difference between Right and Wronge police. So one should fast the entire month wow, whoever of you witnesses it. And whoever is ill or on a journey, then finish on different days . God wants to bring you ease and not to bring you hardship nope; and so that you may complete the term handshake, and glorify God for what He has guided you, that you may be thankful.
And if u caint then fear the Fire, whose fuel is people and stones...
While certain people tryin to cause confusion, then bring ur proofs then...Or do u dispute about the revelations without having any explicite knowledge...
We all know the times we are to fast... and that it is the entire month Rahmadan...and if you are a stray, then count in the other months then... P The God has made it known for us when we are to fast...And He dont want to make things difficult...but those with disease in there hearts want that u be diverted into a great diversion brickwall confused...
Bring a translation using a word other than month then if u dont agree... But dont keep disputin without proof nope... I brought my translation jedi...now u bring one better if u dont agree with my word usage....
Are u fastin this month? Or do u not believe? Or what is the problem? And if you are fastin this month Rahmadan but u dont believe and are disputin, then do u uphold what u have no knowledge of?
Alas, each of them wished that they had a seperate Scripture!
O you who believe, you are ordered to fast as those before you were, it could be you fear and obey.
A designated month P; so whoever is ill or traveling; then finish in differnt months P........ect...
The Quran was sent down in the month Rahmadan P,....................So one should fast the month P, whoever witnesses it........ P
What is the hottest month? Huh? Il tell u it is the month of Rahmadan on the Islamic calender...and the hottest month is August in the regular calender....either way u should fast it, and if ill ect... then fast in the other months P
Im startin to get pissed of >(...So if u caint bring the correct translation then you should just shut yo mouth and listen! And if you do bring a translation on the contray to mines and also others, then it better be clear for the people... P
peace im out...
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Salaam
I would appreciate if you could elaborate further. It has become a typical attitude on this forum that participants leave a topic unsolved with some vague phrase.
peace
Sure.
If "shahru ramadhan" is translated as "red full-moon", then that explains exactly when the fasting period would occur. Also, if it simply means "full-moon of blazing heat", it would imply the first full-moon after the easily-recognized period of intense heat, directly after the summer solstice. The concept of a "few days" would make complete sense because the full-moon would only last for a short period - the cycle would last about 10 days, which could definately be considered a "few". So, the start and end time would be explained, and so would the duration of the period; and it would be based on al-Qur'an's timetable, not an arbitrary "month", which could literally mean anything depending on the culture. This method would be universal...
Peace.
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Salaam Soof
If this is your authority then please could you explain the two laylat al-qadr scenario as raised by Neil here
Peace all,
I have read Ayman's articles on Ramadan and Laylat Al-Qadr and have questions that I hope can be answered.
http//www.free-minds.org/articles/science/timing.htm
Ayman you seem to say that Ramadan is around the time of the summer solstice (first full moon after it until the next full moon) and that the restrictions on game hunting associated with Hajj in the following months have much to do with the seasons and animal behavior within these months. I quote below.."The timing of the restriction is significant, especially given that the restriction is on hunting wild-life. Interestingly, the restriction doesn't cover domesticated livestock animals (see 51). Why is that? The answer may be because summer is the time when most wild animals and even wild birds give birth. By killing a wild female animal, you are not only killing it but you would also be inadvertently killing all its new-born off-spring who cannot feed and fend for themselves...."
"...Of course, our analysis indicates that the restriction period would be different between the southern and the northern hemisphere. This is fine. There is nothing in the great reading that indicates that they should be the same for people all over the world. We should orient our direction to the truth from our Lord wherever we are, whether in the Southern or Northern hemisphere (see 2149). "
I understand that Ayman means that in the Southern Hemisphere Ramadan will take place after the first full moon after the summer solstice here (I am in Australia) ie after 22 December. Consequently I also take Ayman to mean that we will also have our own 'sacred/restricted months' in which we in the Southern Hemisphere will observe our own Hajj in the months after our Ramadan and hunting restrictions which are appropriate in those months?
If there are 2 Ramadans does it not follow that there are also two sets of sacred months/hajj? Will the location of Hajj cater to pilgrims over a period of 6 months in the year or are there two different locations? surely not?
It also follows that there would be two laylat al-qadr per year? Will there not also be two calendars with two different new years day as the count of full moon months is to begin in the period between one summer solstice to the next?
Thanks for your clarification
peace
Ps I am off to bed now and, as I see Ayman is on line, hopefully I'll read his response this morning.
Well you tell me why there cannot be two different hajjs and two different periods of fasting when there are two hemispheres? It seems perfectly logical and doesn't contradict with what is in the Qur'an. Following through that we should observe the fast during the period of hottest season then people in their respective hemispheres will fast in their respective periods. Calenders are arbitrary to begin with the only things that we should have faith in Especially when referring to God is what was here before mankind (not a culturally based calendar made by Man), the sun, the moon and their respective orbits. How we form a calendar based on them is likely to change from area to area but it is all relative. Because Muhammad was in the NORTHERN Hemisphere the night of measure is according to the northern hemisphere, but I do not see how that lends anything to the idea of Ramadhan as the night of measure is an event that's already passed..
Adieu
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Well you tell me why there cannot be two different hajjs and two different periods of fasting when there are two hemispheres? It seems perfectly logical and doesn't contradict with what is in the Qur'an. Following through that we should observe the fast during the period of hottest season then people in their respective hemispheres will fast in their respective periods. Calenders are arbitrary to begin with the only things that we should have faith in Especially when referring to God is what was here before mankind (not a culturally based calendar made by Man), the sun, the moon and their respective orbits. How we form a calendar based on them is likely to change from area to area but it is all relative. Because Muhammad was in the NORTHERN Hemisphere the night of measure is according to the northern hemisphere, but I do not see how that lends anything to the idea of Ramadhan as the night of measure is an event that's already passed..
Adieu
Soof,
Do you understand that you are committing the grestest Sin when you speak about God what He did not say. My advice to you is as followBefore pormoting for The Submitter of Northern Hemisphere and The Submitter of South Hemisphere, you need to have Quranic Proof. A Quranic proof that supports the existing of two Qudar nights and two Rammadan Months and to divide Submitter By Location.
Now while finding answers, what would you say to a person who lives 6 month in Northern Hemisphere and 6 month in south Hemisphere when he asks you if He should Fast the Two Rammadan or not?
Peace
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Sure.
If "shahru ramadhan" is translated as "red full-moon", then that explains exactly when the fasting period would occur. Also, if it simply means "full-moon of blazing heat", it would imply the first full-moon after the easily-recognized period of intense heat, directly after the summer solstice. The concept of a "few days" would make complete sense because the full-moon would only last for a short period - the cycle would last about 10 days, which could definately be considered a "few". So, the start and end time would be explained, and so would the duration of the period; and it would be based on al-Qur'an's timetable, not an arbitrary "month", which could literally mean anything depending on the culture. This method would be universal...
Peace.
So do u believe that we should only fast as long as the moon is full in this period? And then break the fast when the moon is not full or half ect...
Why no just fast from the full moon till the next full moon ( month )?
Or mabey im just misunderstandin somthin
God made the sun and the moon so that we can keep count......
696 Initiator of morning and Maker of the night to reside in; and the sun and the moon for counting. Such is the measure of the Noble, the Knowledgeable.
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Sure.
If "shahru ramadhan" is translated as "red full-moon", then that explains exactly when the fasting period would occur. Also, if it simply means "full-moon of blazing heat", it would imply the first full-moon after the easily-recognized period of intense heat, directly after the summer solstice. and it would be based on al-Qur'an's timetable, not an arbitrary "month", which could literally mean anything depending on the culture. This method would be universal...
Peace.
Salaam Ahmed Bilal
hmm
Summer Solstice
As the sun spirals its longest dance,
Cleanse us
As nature shows bounty and fertility
Bless us
Let all things live with loving intent
And to fulfill their truest destiny Wiccan blessing for Summer
Solstice, Midsummer or Litha means a stopping or standing still of the sun. It is the longest day of the year and the time when the sun is at its maximum elevation.
This date has had spiritual significance for thousands of years as humans have been amazed by the great power of the sun. The Celts celebrated with bonfires that would add to the sun's energy, Christians placed the feast of St John the Baptist towards the end of June and it is also the festival of Li, the Chinese Goddess of light.
Like other religious groups, Pagans are in awe of the incredible strength of the sun and the divine powers that create life. For Pagans this spoke in the Wheel of the Year is a significant point. The Goddess took over the earth from the horned God at the beginning of spring and she is now at the height of her power and fertility. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits.This is a time to celebrate growth and life but for Pagans, who see balance in the world and are deeply aware of the ongoing shifting of the seasons it is also time to acknowledge that the sun will now begin to decline once more towards winter.
When celebrating midsummer Pagans draw on diverse traditions. In England thousands of Pagans and non-Pagans go to places of ancient religious sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury to see the sun rising on the first morning of summer.
http//www.new-age.co.uk/peace
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. Because Muhammad was in the NORTHERN Hemisphere the night of measure is according to the northern hemisphere, but I do not see how that lends anything to the idea of Ramadhan as the night of measure is an event that's already passed..
AdieuSalaam Soof,
Well!! ask your guru Ayman who says
and surely the night of measure according to 3639 occurs many times in the year every year and it is the same in the southern and northern hemispheres. One of those nights of measure which also had a scorching full-moon is when the great reading was descended. This doesn?t mean that the night of measure and a scorching full-moon only occurred one time over 1400 years ago. .
Many, many cultures the world over perform solstice ceremonies. At their root an ancient fear that the failing light would never return unless humans intervened with anxious vigil or antic celebration.And perhaps, our impulse to hold onto certain traditions today -- candles, evergreens, feasting and generosity -- are echoes of a past that extends many thousands of years further than we ever before imagined.
"Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding."
--Earl W. Count, 4,000 Years of Christmas
http//www.candlegrove.com/solstice.html#turta
peace
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Salaam Anthonywallace,
Its Ramadan NOT Rahmadan
peaceThanks,
peace
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Soof,
Do you understand that you are committing the grestest Sin when you speak about God what He did not say. My advice to you is as followBefore pormoting for The Submitter of Northern Hemisphere and The Submitter of South Hemisphere, you need to have Quranic Proof. A Quranic proof that supports the existing of two Qudar nights and two Rammadan Months and to divide Submitter By Location.
Now while finding answers, what would you say to a person who lives 6 month in Northern Hemisphere and 6 month in south Hemisphere when he asks you if He should Fast the Two Rammadan or not?
Peace
Understand this If you observe shahru ramadhan then you begin your fast. So anywhere on earth you observe it you fast. This differs from North to South obviously. The Qur'anic proof is
The month of Ramadhan therein was sent down the Qur'an is a guidance unto mankind, and with evidences one of the Books of guidance and the distinction. So whosoever of you witnesseth the month, he shall fast it, and whosoever sick or journeying, for him the like number of other days.
2185This is obviously a translation. What we differ about is whether it is Month or Full Moon.
Whoever witnesses the full moon should fast it therefore if he observes it once then he shall fast it. If he observes it again he shall fast it.