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Introduction to Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Submitters (Muslims) all over the world fast during this month from the beginning of dawn to sunset. During fasting, Submitters abstain from eating, drinking and sexual activity as commanded by God in the Quran (2:187).

Like all other practices in Submission, the practice of fasting during the lunar month of Ramadan has been in existence since the time of Abraham. Full details about fasting are given in the Quran in chapter 2 verses 183 to 187.

{subtitle} Fasting Emphasized and Modified*

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
[2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.
[2:185] Ramadan is the month 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. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
[2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided.
[2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.

{footnote} *2:183-187 Like all duties in Submission, fasting was decreed through Abraham (22:78, Appendices 9 & 15). Prior to revelation of the Quran, sexual intercourse was prohibited throughout the fasting period. This rule is modified in 2:187 to allow intercourse during the nights of Ramadan.

What is a Lunar Month?

A lunar month (also known as synodic month) is the time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth - which is approximately 29.5 days. Therefore, the number of fasting days during Ramadan may sometimes be 29 days, and other times 30 days. Since a lunar month is, on the average, one day shorter than a solar month, a lunar year is 10-12 days shorter than a solar year. The Month of Ramadan therefore comes about 11 days earlier each year. This way Submitters fast when the days are warm and long in summer, as well as when they are cool and short in winter. This beautiful design by God is also a test for the submitters to see if they will fast regardless of the length or temperature of the days of Ramadan.