1. I have been thinking. If it is proving so problematic for Muslims to determine consensually the lunar calendar, why don't they change to the solar one and remove the difficulties and disagreements with one stroke?
Our calendar is a lunar calendar. In Chapter 2, Verse 189 Allah says, "They question you, O Muhammad about the phases of the moon. Say, they are seasons fixed for mankind and for the pilgrimage."
It is established from this verse and from the traditions of the Prophet (s.A.w.) when he stretched his fingers to show that the month was thirty or twenty-nine days and when he said, "If you see the moon, start to fast. If you don't then complete the thirty days."
Fasting, pilgrimage and all other occasions which deals with our seasonal worship are connected with the moon. Only the five daily prayers are connected to the natural cycle of the sun. This is because they are daily occurrences whose timing must be related to the sun.
(72 - Important Days 8)
2. Ramadhan is described as the month of the Qur'an? Why?
"Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed," reads the second chapter of the Holy Qur'an. This verse establishes the link between Ramadhan and the Qur'an. We know that the Prophet (s.A.w.) was in the habit of retreating to Mount Hira during Ramadhan and it was during one of these periods of contemplation that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him with the first revelation. So Ramadhan marks the beginning of the call to Islam and the Prophethood of Muhammad (s.A.w.).
Secondly, when fasting during Ramadhan became obligatory, the Prophet (s.A.w.) used to recite the Qur'an with Gabriel. Gabriel used to descend from the heavens every night to read everything that had so far been revealed to the Prophet (s.A.w.).
Thirdly when we offer our Tarawih prayers, it is recommended that over the course of the month the whole Qur'an be completed. This presents a great opportunity for those who haven't read the whole Qur'an to hear it.
(97 - Important Days 9)
