Ramadan Songs

Yoyo (2004) - Eid Song

Ramadan El Sana Di (2003) - Ramadan This Year

Hikayat Ramadan (2002) - Ramadan Story


Although Ramadan is over this year, it is another major holiday that occurs around this time of year. Actually, that's not quite accurate. It so happens that right now the observation of Ramadan is occuring most often near Hannukah and Christmas, but this isn't always the case. Ramadan is a lunar holiday that eventually occurs during every season of the year. This is one of the most important holidays in Islam. So what is the origin of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar year. Many important events occurred during this month, the most important of which is during Ramadan the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was sitting alone in the wilderness when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him and had him read the laws inscribed on a golden tablet. These were the basis of the Koran, just as the Ten Commandments revealed to Moses were the basis of the Old Testament laws.

In Islam, there are what is known as The Five Pillars (or requirements) of Faith. Perhaps the most well known is fasting, which begins at the new moon (generally around the 28th day of the previous month). Fasting is observed during the daylight hours, which makes Ramadan more difficult when it falls in the summer as the days are longer. During Ramadan, an adult Muslim is not allowed to eat or drink while the sun is up. Fortunately for those times when Ramadan does fall in the summer, a Muslim is allowed to hold water in his or her mouth for a few moments, but they cannot swallow it. After the sun goes down, they are allowed to eat and drink, but only in moderation. This breaking of the fast during the night hours is called Iftar.

These days the proper hour for Iftar is generally announced on the radio or television, but the traditional way was to listen for the call from the mosque's minarets. Some Muslims choose to break their fast by having a swallow of water and eating a date, as this is how Muhammad broke his fast centuries ago. Afterward, the meal generally consists of soup made from wheat boild in meat broth and then a normal dinner of meat, rice, and vegetables. If the time to break the fast is announced, the how do you know when to begin the fast? The rule of thumb is: when it become light enough to tell a white thread from a black thread, it's time to begin fasting.

The purpose for fasting during Ramadan is to teach self-discipline and to prepare for any suffering that God may require one to bear. It is also considered a powerful way to defeat Satan, since Satan's poisonous weapons are strengthened by eating and drinking. But in addition, choosing to fast all at the same time creates a communal experience that brings all the people of the Islamic faith together. Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for most Muslims. Younger children learn to prepare for the fast gradually until they reach the age of 12, after which they are expected to join the adults in fasting. It is said that anyone who faithfully observes fasting for the entire month will have their sins forgiven. A fast during Ramadan is also considered 30 times more powerful than fasting at any other time of the year.

According to the Prophet, there are five things that will undo all the benefit of the Ramadan fast, however. These are (1) telling a lie, (2) denouncing someone behind his or her back, (3) slander, (4) a false oath, and (5) greed or covetousness.

Ramadan ends when the next full moon appears and the month of Shawwal begins and to celebrate the Muslims observe Id Al-Fitr, which includes feasting and the exchange of gifts.