Why was the month of fasting called Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month that is revered by almost two billion Muslims all over the world. We know that during this month the daily routine changes: believers fast during daylight hours. But do we know why the month of fasting was called Ramadan? Where did this name come from?
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar and is located between the months of Sha’ban and Shawwal. The name of this sacred month comes from the Arabic verb ‘ramida’, translated as ‘to be hot, red-hot’.
In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs had a custom of tying the months of the calendar to the seasons, and this ninth lunar month fell on the hot summer. With the advent of Islam, the lunar calendar was normalized, and the month of Ramadan ceased to be tied to the summer period, but its name remained the same.
According to another version, Ramadan received this name because of the conditions experienced by a person during fasting: the fasting person feels a burning sensation and heat in the stomach from hunger.
Fasting in Arabic is ‘sawm’ and this word comes from the verb ‘sama’, which is translated as ‘complete abstinence’. According to Sharia terminology, this is abstinence from everything that breaks the fast from dawn to sunset.
As we know, Ramadan is a month of mercy and forgiveness, and the reward for worship performed in this month increases many times over. Ramadan is a priceless, precious chance for a believing Muslim and he should value it, fearing to waste every moment of this month.
May the Almighty grant each of us the opportunity to spend Ramadan in sincere service to Him, observing fasting during daylight hours and standing at night in prayer, doing more good deeds, making our loved ones and those around us happy. Amin!
