RAMZAN 2020

Ramzan 2020 is all set to sprinkle its blessings from the 25th of April and will end on the 25th of May, tentatively in Pakistan. People are expected to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday, the 26th of May.  Ramzan 2020 will be a bit different as the world is facing a pandemic. However, the actual dates will be announced by the government on the sighting of moon.

With respect to the occurrence, Ramzan can be defined as the ninth month of the Hijri/ Islamic calendar. The length of Ramzan varies from 29 to 30 days depending upon the moon sighting. Upon the sighting of moon, Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal. Fasting is the third pillar of Islam following Tauheed and Salah. Ramzan is also significant because the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed SAWW. The word Ramzan is derived from Arabic word Ramad/ Ramida meaning drought or scorching heat. Therefore, Ramadan means to control your hunger and emotions from dawn till dusk.

Millions of Muslims around the world observe Roza (fast) from dusk till dawn, i.e. from Fajar prayers till Maghrib prayers throughout the month.

The literal meaning of fasting is different across the world. It simply means to restrain or abstain from something. In the light of Islam, it enables the person to refrain from drink, food, sexual intercourse and everything that can trigger the fast to break. Whomsoever do not fast during Ramadan without any medical reason, is engulfed in sins, as fasting is mandatory in Islam.

The fast starts at Fajar and the meal is called Suhoor, and is broken after sunset at Maghrib and the meal is called Iftar.

Fasting was made obligatory for all adult Muslims in the second Hijri year. Allah SWT said, “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:183)