Ramadan (Arabic: "The Ninth Month") is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of sawm (Arabic: "fasting"), salah (Arabic: "prayer"), reflection, and community. A commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts 29 to 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
Fasting[]
Fasting is supposed to teach Muslims about patience and ibadah (Arabic: "faith"). It is a time for Muslims to think about how the poor and homeless suffer without lots of food, it helps Muslims to be more obedient, and less greedy. During Ramadan, Muslims ask to be forgiven for their sin, and they pray for help in stopping them from doing bad things. Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad.
During Ramadan, not everyone has to fast. Anyone with health issues that would make fasting dangerous do not have to fast. Children do not have to fast, but they should start when they reach the age of puberty, if their health permits. People who are traveling long distances do not have to fast. Pregnant women do not have to fast, due to the possibility that it might harm their unborn babies.
How to Take Part In Ramadan[]
Skip eating and drinking during the day. If you take part in Ramadan, you're not supposed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. That includes water, any type of food or liquid, and things like gum.
- Fasting isn't just about not eating. It's about learning to have sympathy with others, learning self-restraint, and giving to others in need.
Fast from negative behaviors, too.
Rise early for the morning meal.
Break the fast with friends and family.
Also, the fast is usually broken with a dried date or two.
- The evening meal that breaks the fast is called the iftar.
Decorate for Iftar.
Continue eating Halal foods.
Offer the special prayer after iftar.
Visit the mosque for prayer.
Give to charity.