Facts of Ramadan:
Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world. In this holy month of Ramadan, the last holy book Quran was revealed on Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.U.H). ‘Ramadan is the month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from fire’ said Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
The fourth Pillar of Islam, the Fast of Ramadan, occurs once each year during the 9th lunar month, the month of Ramadan. Every year Ramadan is observed on a different day, this year Ramadan begins on June 6, 2016 till July 6, 2016.
Starting of Ramadan determined by moon:
The moon is used to determine the beginning of Ramadan. Many places still depend on someone seeing the new moon with the naked eye. However, countries are increasingly relying on astronomical calculations and observatories.
Purpose of Ramadan:
The main purpose of Ramadan is to appreciating Allah’s greatness and recalling his blessings on us. And another main purpose is observers are expected to abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from dawn to dusk.
When does fast end?
The number of hours of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan varies from one country to another according to the latitude and longitude. The Muslims of Denmark to observe 21 hours of fasting and those who are in Argentina will fast for 9 hours and 30 minutes. Fasting occurs from dawn until sunset.
Who must fast and who is excused from Fasting:
All healthy Muslim adults fast throughout the month accept those that are sick, elder, pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding or traveling. Fasting is not obligatory on a person whose body cannot tolerate fasting, either due to old age or because of a severe illness. The one who is traveling a distance of two or more walking days is allowed to not fast provide his traveling is not sinful. Two or more walking days distance is about 80 miles. Allah said in Quran, ‘if you are sick or traveling, then you are allowed to break your fast and make up these days later.’ (Surah Baqra – Verse 184)
Charity in Ramadan:
Charity is an important part of this holy month. Muslims are obliged to give charity in form of Zakat and Sadqa to needy people around their surroundings. During Ramadan the rewards of charity are considered greater.
How does fasting impact on health?
Fasting is generally associated with the month of Ramadan. But in recent years, numerous studies have suggested that intermittent fasting – abstaining or reducing food and drink intake periodically – can be beneficial for us.
One of the most well-known intermittent fasting diets is the 5:2 Fast Diet – a plan that involves eating the recommended calorie intake for 5 days a week but reducing calorie intake to 25% for the remaining 2 days – to 500 calories a day for women and 600 a day for men.
According to Dr. Michael Mosley – author of The Fast Diet books – this eating plan can not only help people lose weight, but it offers an array of other health benefits. “Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity,” he adds.