Significance of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr

Ramadan in Islamic calendar is a very significant month for the Muslims. The Quran was revealed during this month. It is the month of Siam or fasting. In Ayat 183 of Surah Baqarah in the holy Quran it has been stated that Siam will enable Muslims to learn self-restraint and abstain from doing evil deeds. As Siam purifies soul of a man or a woman, the month of Ramadan is known as the month of self-purification. The month of Ramadan teaches us to refrain from criticising anyone, including one's enemy, behind his/her back.
Iftar is another significant pillar of Ramadan. Muslims take Iftar after a day of fasting. The whole month of Ramadan revolves round fasting, charity and prayers.
Salat (saying prayer) is mandatory for all Muslims. But during the month of Ramadan, a special prayer Tarawih (Tarabi) is offered in congregation in mosques. The entire Quran is recited in course of the Tarawih. Salat is an important element in Islam.
In Quran, Muslims are reminded 82 times to offer prayer. At the same time Muslims are commanded to pay Zakat. Zakat is mandatory for those who have enough wealth to help the have-nots to strike a balance in society. The word Zakat appears 32 times in Quran together with Salat. Zakat is generally payable in the month of Ramadan. Zakat is mandatory on five items: gold and silver, commercial goods, agricultural products, livestock, mining and minerals.  During the month of Ramadan Muslims would look eagerly forward to Lailatul Qadr (Night of decree). Prayer in this night is equivalent to that of a thousand nights as Quran was first revealed on this night.
Eid-ul-Fitr is observed by Muslims around the world at the end of Siam to express gratitude to the Almighty Allah and seek His blessings. This is a day of rejoicing. It is customary to pay Zakat-ul Fitra( Alms). Fitra should be paid at least one week before Eid. Fitra is meant for the poor and the destitute to make them happy on the Eid day. On this day Muslims eat sweets or dates before going to offer prayer in the congregation. Eid congregation generally takes place in an open space or in a mosque if no open place is found. Wide contact with the people is only possible in such congregations. Eid-ul-Fitr is an added attraction in Islam and is an integral part of religion.
Siam, Salat and Zakah or Zakat constitute important elements of the religion of Islam during Ramadan in particular. Ramadan teaches Muslims to exercise self-discipline, restraint, equality and fairness to all. Temporal difference between rich and the poor becomes insignificant as reflected in Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr congregations. That means Islam is a blend of materialistic and spiritual aspects of life.

The writer is a retired diplomat.
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