Real Estate Today with Asif Khan: What is Ramadan?

Every year I am asked about the importance of the month of Ramadan, and its significance. As we head into the month of Ramadan today, I’d like to share what the month means and the goals and test for the month of Ramadan.

This year, Thursday August 12, 2010 marks the first day of the month of Ramadan for Toronto and area Muslims. Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims around the world as they are called upon to re-evaluate their lives under religious guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. Those that are physically able will abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset for the entire month. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

· Through fasting, a Muslim learns to sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

· Through increased devotion, Muslims bring themselves closer to God, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.

· Through increased charity, Muslims show generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

· Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

· Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

· Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice. While other holidays become commercialized, Ramadan has retained its intense spirituality. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam.

While Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). Although this restraint and devotion is intensified during Ramadan, everyone must strive to continue these practices in our everyday lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan comes to an end with the spirit of thanksgiving. The celebration is called Eid-ul-Fitr and is observed all over the world by offering prayers and rejoicing on the accomplishment of an act of dedication and submission to God. Although this happy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, is marked with prayers and a feast, the most important part of the day is the remembrance of those who are afflicted with poverty, ignorance, disease and other misfortunes. The real happiness of Eid lies in sharing our happiness with others. Charity is obligatory at the end of the fasting month and should be compulsorily paid to the needy by everyone with the means. It has to be paid before Eid prayers start.

A prayer timetable is attached with timings for fasting during the month of Ramadan. For all that will be fasting, may God accept your fasting, forgive your sins, and guide everyone to the Straight Path. May God bless us all during this month, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

I wish everyone a Healthy and Happy Ramadan.

Asif