By SEETA PERSAD Monday, September 6 2010

MOSQUES through TT are hives of activity as Muslims gather daily for the observance of the holy month of Ramadan. During this time devout Muslims fast by not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan began on August 11 and will end on Friday with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Imam Najib Mohammed, of Couva, underscored the importance of the holy month when he pointed out said that hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan. He noted that this month is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice and while major observances of other faiths have largely become commercialised, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.

According to Imam Mohammed, during this time, through fasting, Muslims experience hunger and thirst, and sympathise with those in the world who have little to eat every day. Through increased devotion, they feel closer to their creator and through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good will toward others.

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said: "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

“Through self-control, a Muslim practises good manners, good speech, and good habits. Through changing routines, they have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits – particularly with regards to diet and smoking. Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.”

Imam Mohammed added: “Indeed Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may learn self-restraint.”

He said this restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but all must strive to make these feelings and attitudes stay during their normal lives. This, he said, is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

Muslims believe that the Holy Qur'an was sent down to the lowest heaven during this month and was prepared for gradual revelation by the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad told his followers the gates of Heaven would be open throughout the month and the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is spent in celebrations and is observed as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year and contains no intercalation, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons.

Iman Mohammed decribed the Five Pillars of Islam as the foundation of Muslim life. They are as follows: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad: Establishment of the daily prayers; Concern for and almsgiving to the needy; Self-purification through fasting; and the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.

He said obligatory charity is an act of worship and spiritual investment.

“Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead good-will and warm wishes for the contributors.”

For Muslims it is obligatory to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in a lifetime. Muslims from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe assemble in Mecca in response to the call of Allah.

The pilgrimage commemorates the divine rituals observed by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, who were the first pilgrims to the house of Allah on earth: the Ka'bah.

“It is also to remember the great assembly of the Day of Judgement when people will stand equal before Allah. Muslims go to Mecca to glorify Allah, not to worship a man.

The visit to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad at Madena is highly recommended but not essential in making the Hajj valid and complete,” Imam Mohammed said.