In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful Everything has a spring and the spring of the Qur'an is the Holy Month of Ramadan. "Imam Baqer (p.b.u.h.)"
By Quran and Etrat Internet University Ramadan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month of Ramadan, it is believed that the month's name may refer to the heat of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one's past sins. Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan . The Qur'an commands: "O who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185). The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Qur'an commenced during this very month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Qur'an and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul. The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. Some nights, among the last ten nights of Ramadan, are called the <http://www.ezsoftech.com/ramadan/ramadan05.asp> 'Nights of Glory' (Laylatul Qadr). These are the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights. Muslims keep awake during these nights and offer special prayers. Even among these nights, the 23rd enjoys excellence over all the others accompanied by great blessings. The end of Ramadan is known as Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing.. When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount, calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured by many. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household; in this month, make us attend to the appointed moments of the five prayers within the bounds You have set, the obligations You have decreed, the duties You have assigned, and the times You have specified. Make us like the ones who have recognized the high status of the prayer, and observe its elements. Make us like those who perform prayers in their right times, as Your servant and Your messenger set down in his tradition (Your blessings be upon him and his Household) .The Supplication 44 of Sahifah Sajjadiah, selected from a translation by Syed Hossain M. Jafri. We congratulate all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon the arrival of the month of Allah (SWT), the month of blessing, the spring for Quran, the holy month of Ramadan. Quran and Etrat Internet University <http://university.etrat.net/> http://university.etrat.net --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "shiagroup" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/shiagroup?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
