Ramadan

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Ramadan
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TransformationalSafety.Com considers it
respectful to have an underasytking of the
cultures in which we operate. In many cultures,
and in Arab cultures particularly, it is
important to know something about
religion. Ramadan is the most sacred all Islamic
religious observances. It may be instructive to
think of it as Christmas, Easter and Hanukah
rolled together and to recognise that whether one
is deeply religious or just likes Santa Claus,
the Easter Bunny etc, the season is highly
significant and brings with it a sensitivity and
cultural pride that transcends the ordinary. This
is true for the Islamic faith, just as it is for
Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto
etc Ramadan is celebrated/observed by a month of
fasting. Fasting is one of the five pillars
(guiding principles) of Islam (order varies).
Muslim believers understand fasting as a process
of purification, a means to attain the
consciousness of Allah and to guard against the
schemes of Shaitan (Satan).
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Order of Presentation

• Background
• Date of Ramadan
• Practices During Ramadan
• Exceptions to Fasting
• Night of Power
• Eid-al-Fitr
• Courtesy and Consideration
• Ramadan Military History

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Purpose of this Training Pak

• To provide a religious, cultural and military
  orientation to Ramadan.

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This presentation is focused on Ramadan, not
Islam, but it is helpful to have some context
in understanding the importance and relevance
that Ramadan has in Islam. Muslims believe that
Muhammad was visited by the Angel Gabriel in
Ramadan 610 AD. This was the occasion where
tradition reports that the initial verses of the
Quran (Islams sacred scripture) were imparted
to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Ramadan is
considered above all to be the month of the
Quran. The month is described as a time of
reconciliation, Even the ones who have distanced
themselves from the Quran throughout the year,
find themselves in this light, in this radiating
ambience. These days replenish the valleys of the
psyches which have almost dried out with the
spirit, meaning and mystery that the Quran has
showered on people distanced from the
Quran. Muslims believe that the gates of
Heaven (Jannah) are open and the gates of Hell
(Jahanam) are locked for the duration of
Ramadhan.
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Background

• Muhammed was born c. 570 in Mecca and died (8
  June 632) in Medina.
• Muhammed reports visit by Angel Gabriel in
  Ramadan 610 AD and told to memorize and recite
  the verses sent by God.
• Some time after Muhammeds death, a caliph
  gathered these verses into the Quran.
• The Quran makes observance of
  Ramadan obligatory.

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Background (cont.)
It is similar in purpose to Lent in
Christianity which is to reflect on the need for
holiness

• Ramadan is the most sacred holiday for all
  Muslims and is the month of fasting.
• Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
• Fasting is a process of purification.
• Fasting is a means to attain the consciousness of
  Allahs presence.
• The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a
  protection against the schemes of Shaitan.

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Muslims ascribe to this time the highest praise,
There is no month but Ramadan that can sail by
with relentless joy, everlasting pleasure and
never fading love. Presenting the spirit,
essence, and true meaning of all the gentle
seasons that have passed through the entire year,
the days and nights of Ramadan, every single
moment, embrace hearts within their exclusive
bliss and charm in the most remarkable and
pleasant fashion Ramadan embraces them with
compassion and holds them in the warmest love,
exciting them with an enthusiasm for life. The
days of Ramadan are the center of attention, the
sum of Muslims spiritual joys, the stage for
excitement, the helix of the divine light of
progress and the sphere of opportunity and a
prize that encourages the growth of all human
characteristics all over the world. During
Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to put more
effort into building bridges, making amends,
treating others well and acknowledging basic
family values such as respecting one's parents
and siblings. It is a time when Muslims set
themselves new goals about how their life should
be and renew themselves and their outlook, a time
when they can start afresh. Ramadan is also a
time when Muslims pray more, do good deeds and
remember those who are less fortunate and in need.
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Date for Ramadan

• Ramadans start is based on a Lunar Calendar.
  (255 days)
• It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar
• It starts 11 days earlier each year.
• The start date is determined locally through a
  combination of astrological and eye witness
  validation methods.

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The beginning of any month is marked by the first
appearance of the crescent moon after the new
moon (when the moon cannot be seen).  Although
the rise of the crescent moon can be determined
scientifically, many Muslims still like to watch
the horizon and sight the moon visually.  Those
who rely on a visual sighting of the moon may
begin Ramadan a day after the others if the sky
is cloudy.  This is why Muslims cannot know ahead
of time the exact date for their religious
holidays.
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Practices During Ramadan

• Fast From Dawn To Sunset
• Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr)

The essential practices of Ramadan are framed by
observance of the fast from dawn to sunset. The
fast includes no food or water or sexual
activity. The time is spent in prayer and
reading the Quran. The believer dedicates this
time to Allah and Allah alone.
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Practices During Ramadan (cont.)

• Fast from dawn to sunset
• No food.
• No water or juice.
• No sexual activity.
• Fasting during Ramadan is for Allah and Him
  alone.
• Spend time in prayer.
• Read all of the Quran.
• Eat breakfast prior to sunrise.
• Eat supper after sunset.

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All Muslims must fast from the first light of
dawn (about one and a half hours before sunrise)
until sunset during each day of the month of
Ramadan.  Fasting means a total abstention from
food, drink (including water) and sexual
relations.   A typical day in Ramadan begins
with the family waking before dawn to share a
meal and pray the first prayer of the day.  Once
dawn arrives (signaled by the call to prayer
from the minaret in Muslim countries) all eating
and drinking stops.  Some people will go back to
sleep after the prayer, others will stay awake
and recite the Quran, the holy book of Islam. 
During the day Muslims work or go to school as
they do every day. They, however, are more prone
to be cranky or sluggish. Muslims wake before
dawn (Fajr) and have a light meal. They then
abstain from food, drink and other indulgences
during daylight hours until dusk (Maghrib) when
they have what could be called the 'break-fast'
meal. This mealtime is known as Iftar. Families
tend to have these meals together as it brings
them together at a very spiritual time.
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Exemptions to Fasting

• Pregnancy.
• Nursing.
• During menstruation.
• Elderly.
• Mentally handicapped.
• Children under the age of puberty.
• Medical reasons.
• People working under a hardship.
• working under extreme circumstances
• people on a journey who cant fast

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Ramadan as Obligation and Celebration
Fasting is a religious obligation for all Muslims
who have reached puberty but pre-pubescent
children are not required to fast. They are
encouraged to try to not eat or drink for part of
the day.  It is natural for Muslim children, like
all children, to want to imitate adult behavior
and try to fast the whole day if possible. 
Ramadan is a blessed time for Muslims.  To
those outside the community, it may appear to be
a time of hardship and deprivation, but that is
not the experience of Muslims.  Fasting is aimed
to increase their awareness of the presence of
God, to remind them to be grateful for His
blessings and to create empathy for the poor and
hungry.  Ramadan is a time of generosity.  Just
as they deny themselves, Muslims should increase
their giving to others, by inviting people to
share our fast-breaking meals, and by donations
to the poor.  Just as worshipers control their
physical appetites, they also must control their
negative emotions and actions.  Angry words,
gossip and criticism can all invalidate ones
fast.  Ramadan therefore teaches patience,
kindness and self-restraint.
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Night of PowerLailat-ul-Qadr
During the last ten days of Ramadan, reward for
prayer and good actions increases and the 'Night
of Power' (Laylatul Qadr) occurs on either the
21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the 29th of Ramadhan.

• Most significant night of Ramadan.
• It is the night on which Muslims believe Allah
  originally revealed the Quran.
• Muslims spend this night reciting the Quran.

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Passage from the Qur'an

• "We have indeed revealed this
• (message) in the Night of Power.
• And what will explain to thee
• what the Night of Power is?
• The Night of Power is better
• than a thousand months.
• Therein come down the angels and the spirit by
  God's permission, on every errand
• Peace! This until the rise of Morn." (971-5)

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Eid-al-Fitr
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Eid-al-Fitr

• This festival celebrates the end of the fast
  the end of Ramadan. (Eid Feast and Fitr
  End)
• Lasts for three days.
• Joyful celebration of enhanced piety.
• Days of forgiveness, moral victory and peace,
• fellowship, brotherhood and unity.
• Thankfulness to Allah for help
• and strength during the month of Ramadan.

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Eid-al-Fitr
This holiday is not technically in Ramadan but
follows the month after Ramadan, falling on the
first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the
Islamic calendar. As with all months in the
Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of
the new moon. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr
celebrates the end of the fast and the end of
Ramadan. This festival last for three days and
is exemplified by joyful celebration of enhanced
piety, moral victory, peace, fellowship,
brotherhood and unity. This celebration is the
time for expressions to Allah for his help and
strength. In addition, Eid is a time of
celebration, good will and unity amongst Muslims.
It is also a time to practice what has been
learned during Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged
to dress in their best clothes, new if possible,
and to attend a special Eid prayer that is
performed in congregation at mosques or open
areas like fields, squares etc. Before the Eid
prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child)
must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of
Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic
foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.),
or its cash equivalent, and is (typically)
collected at the mosque. This is distributed by
the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the
start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime
during the month of Ramadan and is often given
early, so the recipient can utilize it for Eid
purchases.
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Eid-al-Fitr
No Muslim can celebrate Eid until he or she has
paid some charityat least enough to cover a
days food for a needy person.  Then on the
morning after the last day of Ramadan, everyone
joins together for a short congregational prayer,
preferably in an outdoor location.  The next few
days are spent visiting friends and family,
giving gifts and special treats to children and
thanking God for His blessings.  How Muslims
celebrate and what kinds of foods they eat
depends on their cultural practices.
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Courtesy and Consideration
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Courtesy and Considerations

• When interacting with Muslims during Ramadan, do
  not eat, drink or smoke in front of them.
• Lying or profane words during this time are
  strictly forbidden for Muslims. All should be
  careful not to offend with profanity or lewd
  gestures.
• Many women may be veiled and covered.

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Courtesy and Considerations

• After sundown, Muslim families celebrate Ramadan
  with a large meal. It is customary for families
  and friends to share this meal.
• There will be an increase of pilgrims visiting
  shrines and mosques in places like Karbala and
  Najaf.

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RAMADAN

• Military History

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Ramadan in IslamicMilitary History

• Islamic history observes that Ramadan is a time
  of heightened religious sensitivities and a time
  for the special providence of Allah. Not only
  was Ramadan the time which marked the receiving
  of the Quran, it has been a time of significant
  military successes.
• In 622, Muhammed was forced to emigrate from
  Mecca in a journey known to Muslims as the Hijra
  (the Migration). He settled in Medina with his
  followers.
• War between factions in Mecca and Medina
  followed. Meccans confiscated all the property
  that the Muslims had left in Mecca.
• In Medina, Muhammad signed treaties of alliance
  and mutual help with neighboring tribes.
  Muhammad turned to an old Arabian tradition
  raiding caravans. A state of war was deemed to
  exist between the Meccans and the Muslims.
• In March of 624, Muhammad led some 300 warriors
  in a raid on a Meccan merchant caravan. The
  Meccans successfully defended the caravan and
  then decided to retaliate. They sent a small army
  against Medina. On March 17, 624 near a place
  called Badr, the Meccans and the Muslims clashed.

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Ramadan in IslamicMilitary History
The Battle of Badr, fought Ramadan March 17, 624
in present-day western Saudi Arabia was a key
battle in the early days of Islam and a turning
point in Muhammad's war against his Quraish
opponents in Mecca. The battle has been passed
down in Islamic history as a decisive victory
attributable to divine intervention or the genius
of Muhammad. It is one of the few battles
specifically mentioned in the Muslim holy book,
the Qur'an. Muhammad managed to shatter the
Meccan lines, killing several important leaders
including Muhammad's chief opponent, Amr ibn
Hisham. The battle was extremely significant
because it was the first sign that they might
eventually overcome their enemies in Mecca, one
of the richest and most powerful pagan cities in
Arabia, which fielded an army three times larger
than that of the Muslims. Before the battle
started, Muhammad had given orders for the
Muslims to attack with their ranged weapons, and
only engage with melee weapons when they
advanced. When the Muslim army rushed the enemy
lines, the sheer force of their attack is
described in several Qur'anic verses, which refer
to thousands of angels descending from Heaven at
Badr to slaughter the enemy. Early Muslim
sources take this account literally. The battle
is frequently referred to as the first Jihad.
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Ramadan in IslamicMilitary History
The conquest of Mecca by Muhammad occurred
during Ramadan 629/630 A.D. In 628 the Meccan
tribe of Quraish and the Muslim community in
Medina signed a truce called the Treaty of
Hudaybiyya. Despite improved relations between
Mecca and Medina after the signing of the Treaty
of Hudaybiyya, peace was broken by the Quraish,
when they attacked the tribe of Khuza'ah who were
allies of the Muslims. Shortly thereafter, a
Muslim army, approximately 10,000 strong, marched
towards Mecca. Victory was secured without a
battle resulting in the establishment of Mecca as
Islams most sacred city. The Kaaba was purged
of the offensive Idols and dedicated as Islams
most holy site. The Meccan leader, Abu Sufyan,
converted to Islam.
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Islam 661
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Islam 750
EUROPE
ASIA
On April 30, 711, the armies of Tariq landed at
Gibraltar (the name Gibraltar is derived from the
Arabic name Jabal Al Tariq, which means mountain
of Tariq. Upon landing, Tariq is said to have
made the following speech, well-known in the
Muslim world, to his soldiers ????? ?????? ???
?????? ????? ?? ??????? ??????? ??????? ???? ???
????? ??? ????? ??????... Hey People ! There is
nowhere to run away! The sea is behind you, and
the enemy in front of you I swear to God, you
have only sincerity and patience. The Moorish
armies swept through Iberia and, on 19 July 711,
won a decisive victory when the Visigoth king,
Roderic, was defeated and killed at the Battle of
Guadalete. Roderic's army of around 25,000 men
was defeated by Tariq's force of approximately
7,000 and a dominant Muslim presence remained
for 800 years.
AFRICA
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Islam 1100
During Ramadan 1178 Saladin drove the crusaders
out of Syria. (Saladin was born into a Kurdish
family in Tikrit.)
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ASIA
AFRICA
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Saladin
The fall of Jerusalem prompted the Third Crusade,
financed by a special Saladin tithe. Saladins
army met King Richard 1 (The Lionheart) at the
Battle of Arsuf on September 7, 1191. Saladin's
relationship with Richard was celebrated in the
courtly romances that developed in Northern
Europe. When Richard was wounded, Saladin
offered the services of his personal physician as
a special favor. (Muslim medical practice was the
most advances in the Western world.) At Arsuf,
when Richard lost his horse, Saladin sent him two
replacements. They even considered making peace
by marrying Richards sister Joan to Saladins
brother Al-Adil, with Jerusalem to be their
dowry. These negotiations fell through due to
religious concerns on both sides. Saladin was
renown in both Christian and Muslim worlds for
his leadership and military prowess tempered by
his chivalry and merciful nature, during his
struggle against the Crusaders, so much so that
there existed by the 14th century an epic poem
about his exploits, and Dante included him among
the virtuous pagan souls in Limbo.
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Islam 1300
EUROPE
ASIA
The battle at Ain Jalut is considered by many
historians to be of great macrohistorical
importance, as it marked the highwater of Mongol
conquests, and the first time they had been
decisively defeated. Previously where they had
been defeated, they had always returned and
avenged the loss - this marked the first occasion
they were unable to do so. The armies met at
Ain Jalut on September 3, 1260, during the holy
month of Ramadan. Each army numbered about
20,000 men. The Mongol force was originally much
larger, but Hulagu took most of it when he
returned home. The Mamluks drew out the Mongol
cavalry with a feigned retreat, and were almost
unable to withstand the assault. Qutuz, the
muslim leader, rallied his troops for a
successful counterattack, along with cavalry
reserves hidden in the nearby valleys. Mamluke
heavy cavalrymen were able to clearly beat the
Mongols in close combat, something which no one
had previously done. (Mamluks were slave
soldiers who had converted to Islam and served
the Caliphs. They became a powerful military
caste.)
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Islam 1500
January 2, 1492 marked the end of Moorish rule
when Ferdinand and Isabella (of Columbus fame)
displayed the cross from the Torre de la Vela
(the watchtower atop Alcazaba, the citadel of
Alhambra in Granada Spain.)
EUROPE
Arabs wear a black band to hold their head scarf
in place as a sign of grief over the loss of
Spain and as a prayer to regain it
ASIA
AFRICA
Islamic armies began to withdraw from Europe.
The above map is a generally representative of
Islam even today with the exception of slight
expansion in Indonesia (now the most populous
Islamic nation).
AUSTRALIA
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