Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest of the four Islamic holy months.
All physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast. The spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. Purity of thought and action is paramount.
The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends.
The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor.
It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor) just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar) directly after sunset. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal.
Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month of Ramadan it is believed the month’s name may refer to the heat of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one’s past sins. Muslims believe God began revealing the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan.
Another aspect of Ramadan is that it is believed one of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is the Laylat ul-Qadr, the “Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny.” It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). This is a time especially for fervent and devoted prayer and the rewards and blessings associated with these are manifold.
When Ramadan ends Muslims give to charity in a locally prescribed amount calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is known as fitra and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured by many. Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual alms which are due to the poor and needy known as Zakah (2,5% of assets).
