So my bank sent me good wishes bearing happy Ramadan, do I even know what this means? I murmured and dropped back the phone.
So, if you also get lost when Muslims are being wished a happy Ramadan, this is what you should know about the Ramadan period and why it is so precious to the Muslims.
Significance of Ramadan to Muslims
Muslims do not joke about the Ramadan period. This period is, in fact, the best of times for the Muslims, it is a period of their fast.
This period of Fast holds on the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan primarily celebrates the first time the Koran was revealed to Muhammad, as regards the Islamic belief.
The Fast is made mandatory only for healthy adult Muslims, pregnant women, the aged (very old men and women), nursing mothers, diabetic patients, people who are living with chronic diseases, ladies that are menstruating are exempt from participating in the activity.
During the fasting period, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink, from dawn to sunset and they also intensify their prayer activity, as well as practice, increased self-discipline.
Meaning of Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan Kareem is used exhaustively during the Ramadan period, it has a twin used hand in hand with it. The twin in question is “Ramadan Mubarak”.
Ramadan Kareem means ‘May Ramadan be Generous to You’.
Ramadan Mubarak means ‘Blessed or Happy Ramada.
It is worthy to note that has been some debate over the use of Ramadan Kareem. Some Muslims are of the view that it is pointless to say may Ramadan be generous to you while others are the view that it is very necessary to profess the generosity of Ramadan in terms of goodness and reward.
Ramadan Kareem vs Mubarak: which is the correct greeting?
When discussing Ramadan Mubarak vs. Ramadan Kareem, it’s important to remember that in the 1960s, using ‘Mubarak’ rather than the modern ‘Kareem’ version was the only acceptable manner of saying it.
If you’re a great lover of the good old days and seem trapped in the 20th century, you can always use the older form in chats and social media posts, but be aware that some younger Muslims will not be pleased to hear you talk in this manner.
At the same time, all Nigerians who prefer “traditions and customs” to “new developments” should use the phrase “fortunate” rather than “generous.”
While most Muslims will agree that ‘Mubarak’ is more acceptable than ‘Kareem,’ both greetings are commonly heard throughout Ramadan.