Salaam and Greetings of Peace:
Contrary to what many people believe, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not the founder of Islam (Submission to God). He was a follower of Abraham, to whom God taught the religious duties that Muslims, those who submit to the One God, practice today (Qur’an 2:128). The Prophet’s (pbuh) role was to deliver the Qur’an to mankind, and purify the message and the practices of religion distorted by the idol worshippers.
God revealed the Qur’an into Muhammad’s memory during Ramadan in the Night of Power (Qur’an 17:1, 44:3, 97:1-5). It was then gradually released from his memory in accordance with God’s will and written down by him with the help of Gabriel over a period of 23 years.
Ramadan is the month during which the Qur’an was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. – Qur’an 2:185
…You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are God’s laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. – Qur’an 2:187
InshAllah, God willing, the first day of Ramadan is July 9, 2013, and the last day of Ramadan is August 7, 2013 for most of USA and Canada.
The first day of Ramadan is July 10, 2013, and the last day of Ramadan is August 8, 2013 for the Middle East, Turkey, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand etc.
Laylat Al-Qadr, The Night of Destiny (or Night of Power) will be, inshAllah, on August 4, 2013 for those places that start fasting on July 9th, and August 5, 2013 for those countries that start Ramadan on July 2st.
May Allah bless us all this Ramadan, accept our fasting and sincere repentance, and forgive our sins. Amin!