Night of Power Archives - Religious Holidays

Ramadan: Muslims worldwide join in the month of fasting, zakat and iftars

March 22, 2023 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

At the Al Abbas Mosque, in Iraq, during a night of Ramadan in 2018. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

SUNSET WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22: Look to the sky for the sight of a crescent moon, as the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims—nearly a quarter of Earth’s population—begin the month of Ramadan. For Muslims, the period of Ramadan is not fixed: As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the sight of a crescent moon signals the official start of this very important month. (Note: Starting dates in communities around the world may vary by location and by method of calculation, although an official date is always released by Saudi Arabia. This year, it was estimated that Ramadan fasting would officially begin on March 22, but due to the absence of a crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia, fasting will instead begin at daybreak on March 23.)

The end of Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic calendar—is met with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of the breaking of the fast. Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal, and is a time of great feasting and family celebrations.

NEWS 2023: London, England is ready for Ramadan, while Premier League and English Football League officials have been asked to provide an opportunity for players to break their fast during evening games across Ramadan, according to ESPN. News sources are finding that Ramadan is now gaining more significant recognition in American public schools, and Yahoo! News reports that a “greener” Ramadan is surging in both popularity and sustainability. With grocery costs rising worldwide, this report from the UK suggests ways to offset or cut increased spending for Ramadan, and this article suggests seven women to follow on Instagram this Ramadan.

Traveling to a Muslim-majority country during Ramadan? This article from Afar suggests ways to embrace this special time of year in these countries.

Looking for recipes? Epicurious has released “A Busy Cook’s Guide to Eating Well During Ramadan,” while the New York Times offers Somalian Ramadan recipes to try this year. This site offers 50 Ramadan recipes to span the entire month, and from the UK, the BBC suggests 45 Ramadan recipes to try.

Muslims break the Ramadan fast with iftar at a restaurant in Dearborn, Mich. Photo by GPA Photo Archive, courtesy of Flickr

FASTING & DATES

Muslims observe the month of Ramadan with a strict sunrise-to-sunset fast, which means that nothing passes the lips during those hours. For all healthy Muslim adults, food and drink (including water) is prohibited. Meanwhile, prayer is increased, as is reading from the Quran. According to Muslim belief, the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad occurred during Ramadan, and as such, observance of the month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims partake in a pre-dawn meal known as the Suhoor, and do not return to eating until after sunset—with the iftar. Three dates customarily break the fast each day of Ramadan, prior to the iftar.

Fun fact: Though younger children are not required to fast during Ramadan, many attempt to try. To help children keep track of their fasting and see their success, the blog Inspiring the Love of Islam has created a free, downloadable Ramadan fasting tracker for children.

BEYOND FASTING …

Najah Bazzy, author of The Beauty of Ramadan, reminds readers in her opening pages that Ramadan is about far more than denial of food and water during daylight hours. Bazzy, a nationally known expert on cross-cultural healthcare, covers many of the health-related issues in her book. But she calls on a traditional text credited to the Prophet Muhammad for the deeper meaning of this special month. In addition to fasting, prayer and Quran study:

Give alms to the poor and the needy. Pay respect to your elders. Have pity on those younger than you and be kind toward your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongues against unworthy words, and your eyes from such scenes that are forbidden and your ears from such sounds as should not be heard. Be kind to orphans.

ZAKAT GIVING & ‘NIGHT OF POWER’

In addition to fasting, Muslims donate to charity during Ramadan. Charity, known as zakat, sometimes translated as “the poor-rate,” is an obligatory practice.

Laylat al-Qadr, or the “night of power,” is considered the holiest night of the year and commemorates the night the first revelation of the Quran was sent to Muhammad. Around the Islamic world, traditions vary for identifying the date of Laylat al-Qadr—though it is generally believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) and Eid ul-Fitr: Muslims mark ending of Ramadan

May 12, 2021 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

Photo by suhailsuri, courtesy of Pixabay

SUNSET SATURDAY, MAY 8 and SUNSET WEDNESDAY, MAY 12: The holiest night of the Islamic year arrives for Muslims worldwide, with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr); though Muhammad did not reveal precisely when the Night of Power occurred, the 27^th day of Ramadan is a traditionally held date (May 8, this year). Known by many names—Night of Value, Night of Destiny, Night of Measure—Muslims note the anniversary of the night the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad via the angel Gabriel.

It is believed that on this sacred night, verses of the Quran were relayed to Muhammad in the year 610 CE, and angels descended to earth for the event. If a devoted Muslim prays in earnest for forgiveness of sins on Laylat al-Qadr and reads the Quran, it’s believed that the night is “better than 1,000 months.”

Did you know? The first Eid was observed by the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE.

RAMADAN & EID UL-FITR IN A CONTINUING PANDEMIC

Tunisian sweets for Eid. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Following Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with a joyous festival known as Eid ul-Fitr. For Eid, worship is performed in congregation; visits are paid to family and friends; sweets are partaken in and shared; and carnivals, vacations and gatherings are common. Although more Eid events will take place this year than did last year, pandemic restrictions are still being enforced at most public events worldwide.

Did you know? In Egypt, Eid ul-Fitr is typically an occasion for neighborhood carnivals; in Asia, a celebratory dish contains toasted sweet vermicelli noodles and dried fruit; in Saudi Arabia, wealthy families buy large quantities of rice and other staples and leave them anonymously on the doorsteps of those less fortunate.

Looking for Eid recipes? Sweet and savory selections are available courtesy of the BBC. For sweet recipes, check out NPR.org. For even more, try the New York Times.

‘EID SA’ID!’
(HAPPY EID!)

The grand holiday of Eid al-Fitr is referred to in many ways: the Sugar Feast, Sweet Festival, Feast of the Breaking of the Fast and Bajram, to name just a few. While adherents typically would spend ample time enjoying the company of family and friends and attending carnivals and fireworks displays, social distancing measures may restrict some of these types of activities in 2021.

EID: A UNIVERSAL CELEBRATION

With nearly one-quarter of the world’s population observing the Islamic faith, it is significant to note that, unlike most Muslim holidays—which may or may not be observed by all Muslims each year—the two Eid holidays (Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr) are always commemorated universally.

Laylat al Qadr and Eid al-Fitr: Muslims observe holiest night, end of Ramadan

June 10, 2014 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

Group of Muslims kneeling in prayer, daytime, outdoors

Muslims in Iran holding Eid al-Fitr prayer. Photo by M. Hasan Miremadi, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

SUNSET SUNDAY, JUNE 10 and SUNSET THURSDAY, JUNE 14: The holiest night of the Islamic year arrives for Muslims worldwide with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). Known by many names—Night of Value, Night of Destiny, Night of Measure—Muslims note the anniversary of the night the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad via the angel Gabriel. (Note: Muhammad did not reveal precisely when the Night of Power occurred, though the 27^th day of Ramadan is a traditionally held date; however, as many of the odd-numbered nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan as possible are still observed.)

Mosque lit up at night, people walking out of mosque and nearby

Photo by Sharonang, courtesy of pixabay

I’TIKAF & THE FINAL DAYS OF RAMADAN

Muslims who can afford to spend the final 10 days of Ramadan in the mosque may choose to observe a form of worship known as I’tikaf. A fast observed during the day is supplemented with intense prayer and Quran study both day and night. Nighttime meals are provided by most mosques to I’tikaf participants. Ten days of observance is ideal, but some participants follow the practice for shorter periods. Both men and women are encouraged to observe I’tikaf.

Note: Due to traditional moon sighting calculations, Muslim observances often vary by country or region.

THE END OF RAMADAN: HAPPY EID!

Sunrise-to-sunset fasting through some of the year’s longest, hottest days has ended for the world’s Muslims, and the Islamic community transitions from the month of Ramadan to Shawwaal with a joyous “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast,” called Eid al-Fitr. Islamic days start at sunset, and for 2018, official astronomers have predicted that sunrise on June 14 will open Eid al-Fitr.

Note: Spellings vary, and you may see the holiday spelled Eid ul-Fitr as well. The proper greeting for this festival is “Eid Sa’id!” (Happy Eid!)

For the grand holiday, Muslims around the world awaken early, heading to a nearby mosque (or, in some cases, an open square or field) and praying in unison, before feasting with families and friends. Government buildings, schools and businesses close in Muslim countries as everyone visits family and friends, dines on sweet treats and greets passersby with a “Happy Eid.” In many regions, festivities will continue for three days or more.

Did you know? The first Eid was observed by the Prophet Muhammad in 624 CE.

Before sunrise on Eid al-Fitr, Muslims pray, bathe and put on their best clothing. A small breakfast—usually including dates—is consumed before heading to a nearby mosque, hall or open area. Zakat (charitable giving) has been completed, and adherents spend ample time enjoying the company of family and friends, attending carnivals and fireworks displays, giving gifts and expressing thanks to Allah.

Eid al-Fitr fairs and festivals, such as this one in Amsterdam, are common. Photo by Charles Roffey, courtesy of Flickr

The grand holiday of Eid al-Fitr is referred to in many ways: the Sugar Feast, Sweet Festival, Feast of the Breaking of the Fast and Bajram, to name just a few.

EID AROUND THE WORLD

With nearly one-quarter of the world’s population observing the Islamic faith, countries around the world are preparing their banks, airlines, shops, business hours and public services for the major holiday. Unlike most Muslim holidays, which may or may not be observed by all Muslims each year, the two Eid holidays—Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr—are always commemorated universally.

Did you know? In Egypt, Eid al-Fitr is an occasion for neighborhood carnivals; in Asia, the celebratory dish contains toasted sweet vermicelli noodles and dried fruit; in Saudi Arabia, wealthy families buy large quantities of rice and other staples and leave them anonymously on the doorsteps of those less fortunate.

Lailat al-Qadr: Muslims observe holiest of Ramadan, Night of Power

July 17, 2015 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

STARTING SUNSET TUESDAY, JULY 7 (OR an odd-numbered night in the last 10 days of Ramadan): The holiest night of the Islamic year has arrives for Muslims worldwide with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). Known by many names—Night of Value, Night of Destiny, Night of Measure—Muslims note the anniversary of the night the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad via the angel Gabriel.

It is believed that on this sacred night, verses of the Quran were relayed to Muhammad in the year 610 CE, and angels descended to earth for the event. (Learn more from On Islam.) If a devoted Muslim prays in earnest for forgiveness of sins on Laylat al-Qadr and reads the Quran, it’s believed that the night is “better than 1,000 months.” Sins are forgiven and blessings are manifold.

I’TIKAF & FINAL DAYS OF RAMADAN

Muslims who can afford to spend the final 10 days of Ramadan in the mosque may choose to observe a form of worship known as I’tikaf. A fast observed during the day is supplemented with intense prayer and Quran study both day and night. (Wikipedia has details.) Nighttime meals are provided by most mosques to I’tikaf participants. Ten days of observance are ideal, but some participants follow the practice for shorter periods. Both men and women are encouraged to observe I’tikaf.

Muhammad did not reveal precisely when the Night of Power occurred. The 27^th day of Ramadan is a traditionally held date, but as many of the odd-numbered nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan are still observed.

IN THE NEWS:

A YOUTUBE LECTURE AND RAMADAN IN NIGERIA & MOROCCO

Muslims and non-Muslims can gain additional insight into Ramadan’s holiest night with this YouTube lecture by Dr. Zakir Naik, who explains Laylat al-Qadr. For an international perspective of Islam around the world, check out articles from AllAfrica and Morocco World News, explaining Nigerian Muslim views on Ramadan and Moroccans’ five most cherished Ramadan traditions.

Laylat al-Qadr: Muslims revere Night of Destiny, Night of Power

July 23, 2014 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 (or one of the last 10, odd-numbered nights of Ramadan): The holiest night of Ramadan is met by Muslims across the globe with great reverence and joy. It’s Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, the Night of Power or the Night of Decree.

Most Muslims regard Laylat al-Qadr as the anniversary of the night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Quran declares that observing this night is “better than one thousand months.” Though the Prophet Muhammad never specified the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims are required to “search for it” among the last 10, odd-numbered nights of Ramadan.

Millions of adherents believe, generally, that Laylat al-Qadr occurs on the 27^th day of Ramadan; however, many attempt to stay awake in prayer as much as possible during each of the odd-numbered nights during the final 10 of Ramadan, in case of error on the correct date. Those fortunate Muslims who can afford to do so spend the entirety of the final 10 days of Ramadan in the mosque, in the worship known as I’tikaf.

The traditional sayings of the Prophet assure the faithful that whoever prays in sincerity on Laylat al Qadr will be forgiven of sins.

Highly regarded is the belief that angels descend upon the earth on Laylat al-Qadr, due to the many blessings of the sacred night. (Read more from On Islam.) During the final 10 days of Ramadan, acts of charity and donations are increased—along with prayer and readings of the Quran. (Wikipedia has details.) Muslims teach that the complete revelation of the Quran to Muhammad took place over a total of 23 years; this transmission began in 610 CE at a cave near Mecca with this initial revelation of the holy text that is remembered on Laylat al-Qadr.

IN THE NEWS:
DATE CONSUMPTION INCREASING

Shopkeepers in Maharashtra, India, have been reporting increased sales in dates during Ramadan 2014, according to an article from Business Standard; the dates range in price from $.67 per pound to $33.32 per pound. Though dates have been popular for breaking fast during Ramadan for centuries, they now are available in flavors and from nations across the globe. The fasting of Ramadan will end on the first day of the next month—and with the grand festival of Eid ul-Fitr.

CHECK OUT ‘THE BEAUTY OF RAMADAN’! ReadTheSpirit Books publishes a complete guide to Ramadan, including the Night of Power, written by Najah Bazzy.

Laylat al-Qadr: Muslims pray, recite Quran on night worth 1,000 months

July 28, 2013 by Stephanie Fenton Leave a Comment

“The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! … This until the rise of dawn!”

Sura 97 (Al-Qadr), ayat 1-5

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: For many Muslims around the world, this is Laylat al-Qadr, the sacred night in the Islamic calendar described by Muslims as worth more than 1,000 months in its spiritual influence. The observance sometimes is called the Night of Power, Night of Destiny or Night of Measures. On this anniversary of the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, many Muslims spend the entire night in steadfast worship.

Note: Muhammad never specified the date of Laylat al-Qadr, although he did indicate that it fell during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Observance dates vary by up to a week, based on Muslim traditions and regions around the world.

AN EVENT UNPARALLELED IN HISTORY

The year was 610 CE, in the Hira Cave in Mecca, when an event occurred that Muslims regard as unparalleled in history: Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran, from the Archangel Gabriel. (Wikipedia has details.) Of note is that the first word uttered by Gabriel was Ikra, meaning “read,” considered remarkable by Muslims because Muhammad was illiterate. Muslims today take heed of Gabriel’s means of transferring the Quran to the Prophet—imprinting the words into his heart, rather than writing them down. The faithful literate continue attempts to “read” the Quran by thoroughly learning and gaining a deep understanding of its words. Throughout Ramadan and particularly on Laylat al-Qadr (and the last 10 days of Ramadan), Muslims pray, ask forgiveness and read or recite as much of the Quran as possible. (Get an insider’s view of Ramadan in Africa at AllAfrica.)

SPECIAL DEVOTION
IN FINAL DAYS OF RAMADAN

By refraining from food and water throughout the days of Ramadan, Muslims fulfill a major Pillar of Islam; by praying and reading the Quran, they gain a deeper faith in God and sincerity in worship. During the last 10 days of Ramadan, it’s reported that Muhammad commanded followers to strive the entire 10 nights to “look for” Laylat al-Qadr by engaging in extra worship. It’s believed that what distinguishes Laylat al-Qadr from other nights is Unseen by humans, so it is good practice to keep vigil all 10 nights.