A Time for Penance and Charity – Ramadan 2012

Before going into the various concepts and origins, let us see when is Ramadan 2012? It will commence on July 21, 2012, with the sighting of the new moon. However there will be a difference in timing as the new moon will rise in the eastern part of this planet and travel across the globe to the western world. Not only that, the date of start of Ramadan is advanced every year as per our solar calendar of 365 days. This is because all events and festivals in the Muslim world are as per the Islamic calendar which is a few days less than the general calendar followed by the rest of the world.

Ramadan 2012, as is the case every year, will be a period of fasting. This is the very essence of Ramadan. Fasting cleanses the body and soul of all ill will, ill thoughts and ill motives. It is a period when the whole being is devoted to Him. Prayers are to be recited five times a day, wherever one might be, facing the holy city of Mecca. It is a matter of the mentality and one need not compulsorily go to a mosque if there is not one around. It is the inner piety and religious frame of mind that is important.

All devout Muslims are expected to fast during the period of Ramadan. Children are excused but they too follow in their parents footsteps to prepare themselves for later life. The elderly and the sick are also not required to fast. As compensation, they can be compassionate to the poor and needy and arrange for their mass feeding. Pregnant women and nursing mothers too are exempted, though they are expected to make it up later or feed poor people as recompense.
 
This is also a time for abstinence. During fasting or even during the full period of Ramadan, all worldly luxuries are expected to be kept at bay. Devout Muslims even sleep on the floor. Sexual intercourse is refrained from during the day, that is, the period of fasting. The mind should be devoted to God only. Self discipline and control of one’s feelings like anger, lust and hatred are to be kept aside and the whole being is to be tuned to the service of the Prophet.
  
Ramadan 2012 is from July 21, from the vision of the new moon for a period of 29 to 30 days till the sighting of the new moon again. This period of penance and piety culminates in Eid- al- Fitr, a day of rejoicing and happiness in memory of the Prophet and at the thought of having come out clean in body and mind. For more info about Ramadan 2012 visit www.day-finder.com/ramadan-2012.html