Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, began on Wednesday 22 March, and Muslims around the world are preparing to take part in this special month. But what is Ramadan all about, and why is it so important to Muslims?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which means that they won’t eat or drink during daylight hours. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with faith, prayer, charity, and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. This means that Ramadan is a very important time in the Islamic calendar, as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah.
Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and doing good deeds, as well as spending time with family and friends. Muslims will often make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help. It is common to have a meal just before dawn (known as the suhoor) and another directly after sunset (known as the iftar).
But why does Ramadan happen now? Ramadan falls during this month because this is when the holy book that’s followed by Muslims, called the Qur’an, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but the date changes each year because Islam uses the lunar calendar based on the cycles of the Moon.
It’s important to note that not everyone fasts during Ramadan – only those who are considered fit and healthy enough choose to fast. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who are ill or travelling don’t have to.
At the end of the month, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting and is a time to thank Allah for the help and strength that they were given throughout the previous month. Often, children are given presents and new clothes to celebrate this special occasion.
I find this quite interesting, I never knew Muslims would fast until night time. But it is their religion & I will respect that.
suiiiiiiiii