Did you know the rewards for charity are greater during the month of Ramadan? Did you know the word “Ramadan” stems from the word “heat”? Interesting enough?

Islamic Help have put together some basic, but interesting facts about Ramadan. Read on to find out more.

• Ramadan falls on the ninth lunar month in the Islamic Calendar. The lunar calendar means the start of each month is based on various factors, such as the sighting of the moon. Therefore, like all Islamic months, the month of Ramadan rotates every year.
• The month of Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as a guidance for all mankind.
• Ramadan is the month of fasting. Fasting (sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
• In between the hours of sunrise and sunset, fasting isn’t just accomplished by abstaining from food and drink. It involves refraining from sinful acts such as cursing, lying, bad intentions and sexual relations; amongst many other things. These can negate the validity of a fast.
• The beginning of a fast is initiated with a dua (prayer) of niyah (intention).
• Eating dates is a popular way to break the fast. It is said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used dates to break his fast with. But what is actually in a date? The health benefits of dates are vast. They contain natural sugars, are high in fibre, are excellent for digestion, high in countless vitamins and nutrients, and so much more!
• Ramadan is an auspicious month for generosity and giving. The sawab (reward) for charity and benevolence in this month are immense. It is known as a month of humbleness and simplicity, and to remember those who are less fortunate than us. Many people choose to commit to Ramadan donations in this month. Some opt to contribute regularly, some dedicate their time to one of the many campaigns, and some volunteer to help in fundraising towards a good cause.
• Ramadan concludes with Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration which follows the period of fasting. It is commonly known as a day of joy and thanking Allah for the strength in accomplishing the spiritual month. It is a day of gratitude, prayers, unity and happiness. For a large number of people, the day usually consists of attending the Mosque, praying, visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, giving to charity, and a lot of eating!
• In effect, however, Ramadan isn’t the same for everyone. There are people out there who observe Ramadan without the suhoor to begin their fast, nor the iftar to break it.

Islamic Help aims to help alleviate the difficulties mentioned above and seeks to reduce the daily struggle and hardship of individuals around the world. The month of Ramadan is a blessing. A time to reflect on cleansing, prayer, religion, and remembrance of those around us.

You can find out more about Islamic Help’s campaigns today and get involved this Ramadan. Browse our newly designed website for more information on donations, campaigns, fundraising and much more. Whatever you choose to do, be it volunteering your time for a particular campaign or sponsoring a child; its brings us another step closer to creating a poverty-free world.