 | Introduction |
| Ramadan Facts |
| Ramadan Timetable |
| Taraveeh schedule for Ramadan |
| Zakat Information |
| Zakat Calculator |
| Guidelines from our Ramadan Committee |
On or about September 13, 2007, the Muslim community in Flint, Michigan and around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don). Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. (Note: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary.)
The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God's commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called "Eid ul-Fitr," or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on or about October 12, 2007.
"Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal. It is also a time when people of other faiths can learn more about Islam and the American Muslim community," said Omar Ahmad, board chairman of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group.
The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his companions: "God has said: 'Fasting is like a shield. A person who fasts experiences two joys. He is joyful when he breaks his fast, and he is joyful when he meets his Lord.'" (Hadith Qudsi, Hadith 10)
Demographers say Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America and some 1.2 billion worldwide.
WHO MUST FAST?
Fasting is compulsory for those who are mentally and physically fit, past the age of puberty, in a settled situation (not traveling), and are sure fasting is unlikely to cause real physical or mental injury.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FASTING (some exemptions are optional):
* Children under the age of puberty (Young children are encouraged
to fast as much as they are able.)
* People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their
actions
* The elderly
* The sick
* Travelers who are on journeys of more than about 50 miles
* Pregnant women and nursing mothers
* Women who are menstruating
* Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed
days at another time or feed the poor.
SPECIAL EVENTS
* Special prayers, called taraweeh, are performed after the daily
nighttime prayer.
* Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny") marks the
anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first began
receiving revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel. Muslims
believe Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of
Ramadan.
TRADITIONAL PRACTICES
* Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water and dates
* Reading the entire Quran during Ramadan
* Social visits are encouraged.
EID UL-FITR ("FESTIVAL OF FAST-BREAKING") PRAYERS AT THE END OF RAMADAN
* Eid begins with special morning prayers on the first day of
Shawwal, the month following Ramadan on the Islamic lunar calendar.
* It is forbidden to perform an optional fast during Eid because it is
a time for relaxation.
* During Eid Muslims greet each other with the phrase "taqabbalallah
ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds" and "Eid Mubarak" (eed-moo-bar-ak),
meaning "blessed Eid."
| What is Zakat? Zakat is an obligatory duty and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory when two conditions are simultaneously satisfied: Nisab and Due Date. |
| Nisab: It is 3 oz. of pure gold. As of 12/01/2000, Nisab is $1200.00 |
| Due Date: Zakat is due after one Lunar (Hijri) year starting from either the first day you acquired the amount of Nisab or the day you paid Zakat last year. |
| We urge you dear brother/sister to calculate your Zakat now and to pay it as soon as possible. |
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Eid-ul-Fitr On or about October 12, 2007 , the Muslim community in Flint will celebrate the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers and a brief meet and greet gathering at the Mosque. Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break-of-dawn to sunset.
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