Ever wondered about the story behind Ramadan, the most sacred
month for Muslims worldwide? It's a tale that begins not just
with fasting, but with a profound spiritual event that
changed the course of history. Let's journey back to the year
610 AD to a cave called Hira, just outside the city of Mecca.
It was here, during the last 10 nights of a month called
Ramadan, that a merchant named Muhammad, known for his
contemplative nature, was meditating.
Suddenly, the Angel Gabriel appeared before him.
This was the first revelation. The Angel recited the first
verses of what would become the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
This event is known as Leilat al Qadr, or the Knight of Power.
It wasn't just a message. It was the beginning of a divine
connection that would last for the next 23 years.
For over a decade after this first revelation, the early
Muslim community in Mecca didn't faster in Ramadan as we know it
today. They faced persecution and
hardship, and their focus was on faith and survival.
The big change came after their migration to the city of Medina,
a journey known as the Hejra. In the second year after the
Hejra, around 624 AD, the divine command to fast during the month
of Ramadan was revealed. A verse in the Quran declared
that fasting was prescribed for believers just as it had been
for those before them, so they could achieve righteousness.
This established the practice of Psalm, or fasting, as one of the
five pillars of Islam. From that point on, the entire
month of Ramadan became a time for fasting from dawn until
dusk. It transformed from being the
month of the first revelation into a period dedicated to
spiritual reflection, increased prayer, charity and
self-discipline. It's a time to reconnect with
the faith's origins, to remember the patience and perseverance of
the Prophet and his companions, and to feel a deeper empathy for
those less fortunate. So when you see Muslims fasting
today, it's not just about abstaining from food and drink.
Caddesa living tradition that commemorates the very first
words of the Quran and fulfills a divine command that has been
passed down for over 14 centuries.
It's a month of history, faith, and community all rolled into
one. Thanks so much for watching and
learning with me. If you found this interesting,
don't forget to like and subscribe for more stories
behind our world's traditions. See you next time.