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.