Ramadan begins: New moon marks a month of reflection and compassion.
Every year, Muslims worldwide wait to look forward to seeing the new crescent moon, which marks the formal start of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the most sacred month in Islamic culture.
Ramadan-ul-Mubarak is a month of fasting and abstinence from things that are deemed impure for the mind and body. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and impure thoughts between sunrise (Fajr) and dusk, and also focus on prayer and connecting with “ALLAH”
Fasting teaches us to appreciate the agony and suffering of millions of people throughout the world who live in poverty and famine, leaving the participant feeling more grounded and appreciative of everything ALLAH provided them.
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Sawm: Fasting from dawn until dusk during Ramadan
Shahadah: Believing there is no deity but God and Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) as ALLAH’s messenger
Zakat: Giving to charity
Salah: Praying five times a day
Hajj: Making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if able.
WHY FASTING IS IMPORTANT IN RAMADAN-UL_MUBARAK?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam’s Five Pillars. The Qur’an commands all able Muslims (those who are mature and in good health) to fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Fasting is more than abstinence during this time; it is a means of worship for Muslims to feel a closer and deeper connection with ALLAH. Fasting teaches each person patience with those around them.
WHY ZAKAT IS IMPORTANT RAMADAN-UL-MUBARAK?
Zakat is an obligatory act and a Pillar of Islam. As such, charity giving is an important part of Muslim’s daily lives.
Giving to charity is a commendable deed in Islam at any time of year. However, when combined with the auspicious month of Ramadan, the donor’s blessings and recompense are increased twofold.
Because Ramadan charity is greatly appreciated, the vast majority of Muslims opt to donate zakat during this month. moreover, it is not mandatory to donate during Ramadan, many Muslims opt to do so throughout this month.
How to Donate Zakat:
Zakat is owed on all wealth and assets worth more than a specified amount, known as the nisab. Zakat is determined at 2.5% of all total wealth above the nisab value and takes the following factors into account:
- Gold and Silver
- Cash in Hand and Bank Accounts
- Pensions
- Property Investment
- Shares and Stocks
- Money lent out
- Business Stock
- Agriculture Produce
Before paying Zakat, all wealth must kept for one lunar year.
