Dear Friends,
LEO DISTRICT COUNCIL 306 B2, SRI LANKA WISHES YOU A HAPPY RAMAZAN (ID-UL-FITR) TO ALL OUR ISLAMIC FRIENDS. HAVE A GREAT DAY & ENJOY
One of the holy months of the Islamic calendar Ramazan,which comes ninth in the chronological order,is celebrated with cultism and devotedness. Islam believes that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this month. Muslims also believe through good actions,they get rewarded twice than they normally can achieve.
During the observation of Ramazan Muslims seek forgiveness for past sins,pray for peace and godwill and try to purify themselves with good deeds and self restraint. It is a belief that during Ramazan month every part of the body should be restrained from touching anything not belonging to it,from looking at any unlawful thing or from backbiting or gossiping and thus every part of the body observes fast. It is the time to cleanse the body and mind from impurities and devote one’s self totally to the worship of Allah.
It is the month of fasting,Muslims observe fast from dawn till dusk. They get up before dawn to take the pre-dawn meal known as Sahur and perform the first prayer called fajr. Just after breaking the fast,
and before dinner, Muslims offer the fourth of the five daily prayers, which is called the Maghrib prayer. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is
the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. Muslims again start eating after
sunset and can continue till the next dawn. Fasting is not a compulsory for the children,elderly,ill persons,pregnant women or women nursing a new born. They are advised to make up the day at a
later date or by feeding the poor in place of their missed fast.
The last ten days of Ramazan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the “Night of Power” or the “Night of Destiny.” It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammed
received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.
After 30 days of fasting,the end of the month of Ramazan is observed with a day of celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day,Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to
wear new clothes,visit friends and relatives,exchange gifts,eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion.
Regards
Leo Thiyagaraja Dinesh
District President – 2009/2010
Leo District Council 306 B2, Sri Lanka
“Vision to Victory”
