Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine “Umma” in canonical concord with Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea and Religious Centre of Ukrainian Muslims due to the The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) decision proclaims that this year the Holy Month of Ramadan begins on the eve of July 8, and July 9 is the first day of fasting.
Therefore Ramadan is a very special month for Muslims during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein.... (Qur’an, 2:185)
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation (Qur’an, 2:183).
Fasting is the time of spiritual purification for Muslims. It is time for rethinking and getting closer to God. However, in our emphasis on refraining from food, drink, and marital relations during the daylight hours, we should not forget many other important aspects of this sacred time. The Creator warns us from the month of His Prophet: “if one doesn’t quit telling lies and behaving outrageously - the Lord has no need for such people depriving themselves of food and water”.
The believers keep doing their everyday activities and, at the same time, concentrate on worshiping Allah Almighty, prayers and spiritual self-development.
Fasting, like all other religious duties, helps us to remember God and appreciate His blessings. This also helps us really appreciate what we have and be more understanding for millions of those in need.
Ramadan is the month of physical purification as well. Besides nourishing our soul, fasting also has numerous and scientifically proven benefits for our physical health and the mental well-being. However, if the person is either ill or travelling, or if a woman is either pregnant or breastfeeding, an equal number of other days may be substituted later, when they overcome their illness, end their journey, give birth and complete the breastfeeding. Those who can’t fast due to constantly poor health, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast.
Only during Ramadan the Muslims perform a special night prayer - taraweeh - in addition to the five obligatory prayers. There’s also a Sunnah (practice) of Prophet Mohammad for reading the Holy Qur’an every day during the whole month of Ramadan. Today a lot of people maintain this practice, improving their knowledge of the Holy Book.
Last ten days of Ramadan are particularly valuable, because the first verses of Qur’an were revealed during one of those nights. That night is called “The night of Destiny”. “We revealed it in the Night of Destiny. How awesome is the Night of Destiny! The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command. Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn (Qur’an, 97:1-5). Those who prayed during that Holy Night with faith and hope for the God’s Mercy would have their sins forgiven.
The next new moon will mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Fast-Breaking Fest Eid-al-fitr (Turk. “Uraza-Bayram”, vainakh “Marhazh”). Due to preliminary calculation, this year it happens to be on August 8.
The AUASO “Alraid” and RAMU “Umma” congratulate all Muslims upon arrival of this Blessed Month and wish them steadfast faith, spiritual elaboration and God’s contentment.
Related links:
Chairman of AUASO "Alraid": "Joint Iftars in Ramadan — more than just Meal"
"Al-Azhar" Imams to lead Prayers of Ukrainian Muslims throughout Ramadan
