Revering Ramadan 2013: An Analysis of Customs and Meanings

The religion of brotherhood and peace is celebrating its most venerated occasion of the year. Prophet Mohammad [Let Peace be Upon Him] has structured this month long process of fasting, alms and prayer as a way for cleansing oneself spiritually and live as close as possible to the revered lifestyle suggested by the path of Islam.  This article deals with an overall view of this practice as we are all expecting with the question “When is Ramadan 2013?” This Islamic tradition explores the realization the dilemma of mass worship, self-discipline, contemplation, and sense of devotion.

In order to understand the institution of Ramadan and its practices a deeper look into the cultural background of its social origin would be of great assistance. The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic conceptual word ar-ramad that refers to intense heat. Islamic theologians state that this world and our hearts are signified with this metaphor since we dwell in selfishness, hatred and ambition. The rituals and practice of the Ramadan fasting is to convert this tendency of humanity into a fruit bearing oasis as promised and fulfilled unto the Prophet [Let Peace be Upon Him] himself.

As we ask and find out “When is Ramadan 2013?, the responsibilities and duties of a devout Muslim [a committed follower of Islam] can be analyzed under a modern perspective of neo-spirituality. Thus interpreted as a mandatory duty of every adult Muslim and the third fundamental pillar, the significance of this process is evident as it has been reverently followed during the 10^th month of the Arabic Lunar Calendar. The span from the start to end of a 30 day cycle between two consecutive fourth ascending crescents of the moon in its span phases the time frame of this procedure. Since this may differ from year to year in competition to the Gregorian solar calendar finding out when is Ramadan 2013 as we do every year is based on the astronomical moon than the calendar based one. 

Each day of Ramadan starts with a Suhoor or a morning meal before the sunrise, shortly followed by a Fajr prayer. The day follows without any other intake of food or water while some rigorous Muslims avoid even swallowing their saliva as it is considered as an intake as well. Many regional rules apply like refraining from swearing, avoiding from touching any intoxication materials even as a part of a profession etc; depending on local traditions. The fast is broken everyday with an Iftar feast immediately after the sunset to the moonrise. Though it is named as a feast, the food is often modest and simple in order to maintain the sanctity of the day’s fast. This is followed by an evening prayer known as Maghrib thus making it mandatory for at least two mass worship gatherings to be attended by all fasting Muslims. This procedure will be followed by Muslims during the time of Ramadan in 2013 as well carrying on the spiritual tradition for yet another year.

Halloween 2013 in Different Countries

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays and is celebrated in different ways by people from different countries. If you are looking for when is Halloween 2013 for making planning to celebrate Halloween 2013

in a unique but interesting way then it is essential to look at how different countries celebrate this eve. Every country has its own way to celebrate Halloween, have a look!
  
Canada 

Canada is celebrating Halloween from 1800 century and people here celebrate just like the Americans way. They go parties, decorate homes, trick or treating and harvest themes. If you are looking to experience some fun on this season then go Canada and experience the way they celebrate Halloween.  

England 

Children used to sing “Punkie Night Song” knocking on the doors of people asking for money. However, currently the English children wear unique costumes and go trick or treating from door to door. The costumes are designed especially for Halloween so that children can mark the occasion perfectly. If you want to enjoy an interesting Halloween 2013 experience then you can got to see lot more at England. 
 
France and Germany 

The trend to celebrate Halloween in France is not quite popular as they consider it just like another holiday. The people of France started knowing about Halloween only after 1996 and after that few people over there celebrate this eve. When it comes to Germany, they usually put their knives away during whole Halloween night. It is actually done to prevent the accidental risk to the spirits returning their homes.  

Ireland
  
If you really want to see what Halloween actually is then you should prepare yourself for Halloween 2013 in Ireland. It is a birthplace of this tradition and is celebrated just like in America. Just like ancient times, bonfires are lit and children go trick or treating. The families, relatives and even neighbors attend parties and exchange gifts with each other. Children also play card games just for fun.  

Belgium and Czechoslovakia

Black cat is considered very unlucky in Belgium but not during Halloween as they feel that their dead relative or family member come from heaven to spare some time with them. Belgium people lit candles for honoring the deceased family member or relative during this eve. In Czechoslovakia, people in their home arrange chairs around the fireplace by leaving one or two chairs for the deceased member of family. They believe that on Halloween night, any of the departed soul comes to their house to spend some time with them. 

Now, you are aware of different traditions available in different countries. So, do make sure to visit any of the above countries to mark Halloween 2013 in the complete unique but interesting way.

Ramadan and Fasting in Islamism

Ramadan – the ninth month in the Islamic calendar - is also known as the month of fasting. During the whole month of Ramadan, most Muslims observe fast each day from dawn till dusk. People who observe this fast abstain from food, water, drink, smoking, and sexual relations. What is more, fasting people have to avoid indulging in foul talk, lustful thoughts and even vain speech. Muslim people are also pushed to read the entire Koran during the month of Ramadan.

The dates of holy month of Ramadan differ every year because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. It may be noted here that the solar calendar, the calendar that most of we are familiar with, is different from the lunar calendar.

When is Ramadan 2013 - It will start on Tuesday, the 9th of July and will carry on for thirty days until Wednesday, the 7th of August.

Several Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but many others make use of the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to decide the beginning of this holy month. Thus Ramadan 2013 may vary slightly based on the method used to determine the beginning of the month. As the new moon is not in the similar state at the same time all around the globe, the start and end of Ramadan depend on lunar sightings that are received in each respective location on Earth. That is why starting and ending dates of Ramadan vary in different countries, but normally only by a day.

It is also important to mention here that each year, Ramadan starts nearly eleven days earlier than in the previous year. Ramadan 2012 had started on 20th of July; thus Ramadan 2013 will start 11 days earlier, i.e., on 9th of July.

Subsequent to the month of Ramadan, three weeks are observed as feast of celebration, known as Eid al-Fitr. This period is a time for Muslims to make note of their accomplishments during the holy month of Ramadan as well as to feast & enjoy themselves.

It may be very difficult to travel during Ramadan in Islamic countries because the roads are often busy with people going to and coming from mosques. Moreover, bars and other nighttime venues are closed during this holy month so that the owners of these places can concentrate on prayer and worship.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars on which the religion of Islam is based on. The other four pillars are: testifying that there is nothing worthy of worship besides Allah, and Muhammad is Allah’s messenger; Praying 5 times per day at the appointed times; offering a part of one's income in charity to the poor & needy; and making a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca no less than once in a lifetime.