Ramadan 2010 begins today and will be strictly observed by millions of Muslims around the world. In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, in which the first verses of the Quran are said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), participating Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and sexual activities from dawn until sunset.
Fasting is intended to teach Muslims the virtues of patience, humility and spirituality, and is carried out as an offering to God. The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, which is called called Shawwal.
Duties During Ramadan
Now here I compile some of the specific Ramadan Prayers (Ramadan Dua), which every Muslim should remember.
Sighting the New Moon
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty) and measured out stages for her: that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain his Signs in detail for those who understand.
First Ashra of Ramadan: First ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan are the days of Mercy. We should seek ALLAH's mercy in these days.
Second Ashra of Ramadan: The second ten days of Ramadan are the days of Forgiveness, Seek ALLAH's forgiveness and repent for all sins.
Third Ashra of Ramadan: The last 10 days of Ramadan are to seek Refuge in Allah from the Hellfire.
Night of Power: The night on which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet, known as the Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadar), is generally taken to be the 27th night of the month. The Quran states that this night is better than a thousand months. Therefore many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
Ramadan Aftari and Sehri Dua
Ramadan Tarawih Dua
Miscellaneous Dua
Next year resolution
It is a time to make a resolution for the next year to continue to pray in the masjid as much as we can, just as we have been doing in Ramadan. Let's also make a resolution for the next year to continue to read the Quraan as we have been doing in Ramadan. Do not forget to fast the 6 days of Shawwal if you can!
