The month of Ramadan 2012 is momentous to the Islamic world. It is eagerly looked forward to as the time when the gates of heaven are always kept open for the devoted. Fasting is a cornerstone of this period. It is a combination of different issues, all leading to being moral and virtuous. Ramadan is so significant that it is said to be resting on three of the five pillars of Islam. Rules for observing it are strict but Allah in all his wisdom has made exceptions. The sick and the elderly as well as pregnant and nursing mothers need not fast. Feeding of the poor may be taken up as compensation.
But when is Ramadan 2012? Ramadan this year starts on 21st July and ends on 19th August both the days depending on the sighting of the new moon. However the moon can be seen at varying times in each country due to different time zones. Many take this period on the physical sighting, while a large part of the Muslim population follow the time as observed in Saudi Arabia, the country where the holy city of Mecca is situated.
Ramadan 2012 as in every year falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. However, the dates are advanced by about ten days each year as compared to the Gregorian calendar of 365 days. Since the Islamic month tracks the lunar cycle which is 29.5 days of our solar cycle, there is a difference in dates every year. Thus a religious Muslim may be fasting even in winter as well as summer within a gap of few years.
When is Ramadan 2012 is a period of fasting and prayers, of exercising discipline and restraining oneself from the self defeating emotions of anger, hatred, greed and jealousy. A pious Muslim will endeavor to read the full Quran at least once during this period, with many doing it once every day. Nothing is imbibed between sunrise and sunset. Thirst and hunger are all controlled in the name of Allah and his blessings are sought in prayers as many times as possible with a minimum of five times each day.
After fasting and regular prayers, almsgiving and mass feeding of the poor is the third Islamic pillar of Ramadan. Giving a part of one’s wealth to charity is thought as akin to attaining God. Fasting during Ramadan cleanses the soul and is an atonement of past sins committed. This is compulsory for all able bodied and healthy Muslims and anyone not doing so invites the wrath of God.
But when is Ramadan 2012? Ramadan this year starts on 21st July and ends on 19th August both the days depending on the sighting of the new moon. However the moon can be seen at varying times in each country due to different time zones. Many take this period on the physical sighting, while a large part of the Muslim population follow the time as observed in Saudi Arabia, the country where the holy city of Mecca is situated.
Ramadan 2012 as in every year falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. However, the dates are advanced by about ten days each year as compared to the Gregorian calendar of 365 days. Since the Islamic month tracks the lunar cycle which is 29.5 days of our solar cycle, there is a difference in dates every year. Thus a religious Muslim may be fasting even in winter as well as summer within a gap of few years.
When is Ramadan 2012 is a period of fasting and prayers, of exercising discipline and restraining oneself from the self defeating emotions of anger, hatred, greed and jealousy. A pious Muslim will endeavor to read the full Quran at least once during this period, with many doing it once every day. Nothing is imbibed between sunrise and sunset. Thirst and hunger are all controlled in the name of Allah and his blessings are sought in prayers as many times as possible with a minimum of five times each day.
After fasting and regular prayers, almsgiving and mass feeding of the poor is the third Islamic pillar of Ramadan. Giving a part of one’s wealth to charity is thought as akin to attaining God. Fasting during Ramadan cleanses the soul and is an atonement of past sins committed. This is compulsory for all able bodied and healthy Muslims and anyone not doing so invites the wrath of God.
