Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims. Ramadan also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. The Prophet Mohammed reportedly said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset
It is a holy month of 40 days of fasting, introspection, and prayers for Muslims, the followers of Islam. This is observed as the month during which Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. It is a month where Muslims are able to focus on praying, giving money to charity, and spending time with their loved ones.
Ramadan is one of the biggest religious events in the year, with millions of Muslims around the world practicing this fast. Devotees gather at various mosques across the nation to offer prayers and fast from morning until evening. They cannot take even a sip of water or a morsel of food while the sun is shining or it can invalidate the fast during Ramzan.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). It states in the Quran “And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
This fasting is encouraged for every Muslim as long as they are healthy and able to do so. It is an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate to those in need. Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits.
Eating, drinking, and sexual activities are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib).
Hence, after a period of observing severe austerities, Muslims all over delight in celebrating the festival of Eid also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. This religious Eid is the only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon and is a great celebration of three days that include special morning prayers. Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights, or flowers. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate.