noun The ninth month of the Islamic year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset.
Qu.r'an |kəˈrän; -ˈran|
noun The Quran, Islam's sacred book is believed by Muslim's to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic. The Qur'an consists of 114 chapters of varying lengths. The verses of the Quran touch upon all aspects of human existence, including matters of doctrine, social organisation, and legislation. ORIGIN
from Arabic ḳur'ān 'recitation,' from ḳara'a 'read, recite.'
Further Reading
Thirty Lessons for those who Fast (Paperback)
Aa'id A. al-Qarni
(Author)
Feeling lively, energetic, rejuvenated, cleansed and ready to take on the world? That is how we would all like to feel all the time, although if we are truthful to ourselves, after a while our battery levels fall low and we need to recharge.
For that reason, we have all been given a valuable lesson and sacred time in the year in which we can replenish our batteries - body and soul. This is the month of Ramadan, the month where we can go to revitalise our souls so we can renew our resolve in readiness to take on the year ahead. There are many aspects to Ramadan which reinvigorate the soul; abstaining from food and drink; standing in prayer during the evenings; and listening and pondering over the recitation of the final testament to Mankind. These are but some of the more common actions we can participate in during this month. Each aspect provides unique lessons in our struggle to become a complete individual, whether that is our relationship with our families, friends, communities or even globally.
But you might say to yourself, "How does suffering hunger and thirst improve myself?". Fasting, as opposed to mere starvation, is an act of worship and obedience to God, reaffirming our attachment to Him. It reminds us to be thankful, forgiving and trains us in self examination. During the Fast, no one - except God - can see if we sneak to the kitchen and grab a bite of our favorite dessert, but we never do it; even young children who start practicing the fast at an early age never do it. This is a personal test and training for our conscious mind and our willpower, our self-respect and moral dignity.
One of the key aspects of the month of Ramadan is that we all submit to the fact that this was the month that God revealed many of His Books to Mankind. Each, in their untainted states, carrying those same teachings and qualities we all would wish to embody in our lives in order to enrich them. So, from the Book of Abraham, the Book of Moses, the Book of Jesus to the final message and guidance to Mankind, the Qur'an - this is the month where the universal message of all the Prophet's was delivered and revealed to mankind. We do not only celebrate this fact during this month, but importantly we increase the time that we spend in listening, reading and reflecting over its verses and teachings - as this is one of the principle ways of rejuvenating our souls.
In the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and the alternation of night and day are Signs for people with intelligence: those who remember God, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the Heavens and the Earth (and say): 'Our Lord, You have not created this aimlessly; exalted are You (above doing such a thing)… Qur'an 3:190-191
Millions of muslims, young and old, from London to Sydney have memorised this entire Book, word for word. Over the course of the month they gather at places of worship where they join together to enjoy nightly prayers often listening to the Qur'an being recited from start to finish. If we ever want to really experience the universality of Islam, then just visit a Mosque in Ramadan. The Mosques are literally brimming with life during the nights as the Quran is recited, listened to and pondered over. The mosques are full, all present standing, bowing and prostrating in unison with people from all corners of the world, regardless of status, wealth or stature.
Below are a couple of short extracts from the Qur'an (Chapter 12 entitled Joseph, and Chapter 19 entitled Mary - who was the mother of Jesus). Experience the beautiful recitation of the verses in Arabic with their translations, welcome to the month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur'an.
Chapter of Joseph
This extract is from chapter 12 of the Qur'an. It starts off with the English and is followed by the Arabic.
To purchase the CD or to download the complete MP3 album, click here
Join us on our Open-Days
We have a number of open days across various venues in London over the course of this month.
So, if you just want to pop down for some coffee, some light conversation, ask any questions or just have a look around at the exhibition. Feel free to come down and join us in this auspicious month.
