1. The Meaning of RAMADAN www.dawahmemo.com
Dr. Teresa Lesher, AWARE Center

2. Islam Compatible with Judeo-Christian monotheism
Acknowledges revealed books
Old Testament
New Testament
Last Testament
Reveres prophets and messengers throughout time

3. Divinely revealed faiths
justice
kindness
generosity
modesty
honesty
compassion

4. Acts of Worship in Islam _________________________________________________________________________________________
Fasting in Ramadan

5. Declaration of Faith “I bear witness that: there is no God but the one
true God
and Mohammed is His messenger.”
The Muslim’s pledge to submit to God
and follow His guidance.

6. Acts of Worship in Islam _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Declaration of Faith

7. Making the connection with God and keeping it strong.
Five Daily Prayers
Before sunrise
At noon
Afternoon
After sunset
After dark
Making the connection with God and keeping it strong.

8. Acts of Worship in Islam _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Declaration of Faith
Five Daily Prayers

9. Alms Tax on Savings 2.5% On savings that have accumulated for one year
To be distributed to the poor
Social security for the disadvantaged and weak.
Promotes good will and brotherhood.

10. Acts of Worship in Islam _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Declaration of Faith
Five Daily Prayers
Alms Tax on Savings

11. Pilgrimage to Mecca Once in a lifetime Financial and physical ability
To answer God’s call to the first
house of worship on earth
Remembering our brotherhood, equality and the Judgment Day

12. Acts of Worship in Islam _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Declaration of Faith
Five Daily Prayers
Alms Tax on Savings
Pilgrimage to Mecca

13. Ramadan The ninth lunar month 29 or 30 days
Lunar year: 11 days shorter than solar year
Full cycle through all seasons in 30 years
First Quranic revelation

14. Acts of Worship in Islam _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Declaration of Faith
Five Daily Prayers
Fasting in Ramadan
Alms Tax on Savings
Pilgrimage to Mecca

15. All bad speech and actions
Fasting (siyaam)
“To refrain from”
Food
Drink
Conjugal relations
Smoking
All bad speech and actions

16. As expiation for sins, purification of soul, rescue from calamity
An Ancient Practice
Egyptians, Greeks, Romans
Old and New Testaments
As expiation for sins, purification of soul, rescue from calamity
“Fasting has been prescribed for you as
it was prescribed for those before you
so that you may learn piety.”
(Quran 2:183)

17. Main Benefits of Fasting
Self-discipline and patience
God consciousness and sincerity
Compassion
Gratitude
Brotherhood
Motivation
Flexibility

18. Additional Benefits of Fasting
Lowers fats and cholesterol
Lowers blood pressure
Regulates sugar in the blood
Breaks bad dietary habits
Gives digestive system a rest
Weight control
Increased productivity

19. An act of worship An act of obedience An act of gratitude
The Muslim’s Fast
An act of worship
An act of obedience
An act of gratitude

20. Who is Exempt from Fasting?
Pre-adolescent children
Pregnant and menstruating women
Temporarily or chronically ill
Travelers
”God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship…”
(Quran 2:185)

21. Ramadan Customs Extra prayers Reading the Quran
Strengthening family ties
Reviving old friendships
Charity and generosity
Forgiveness
Pilgrimage

22. Eid al-Fitr “Celebration of the Feast” Citing the moon
Congregational prayer after sunrise
Exchanging visits
Giving gifts
Sharing meals

23. After Ramadan Hope and anticipation New habits, a new focus
Community spirit
Appreciation and gratitude
“God wills… that you complete the number of days and that you extol Him for His having guided you aright and that you render your thanks unto Him.” (2:185)

24. “…and it is better
for you to fast, if
you only knew.”
(Quran, 2:184)

25. RAMADAN
A month that,
by depriving the body,
enriches the soul.