Ramadan: what Is RAMADAN?

        Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is a month of peace, love, self-evaluation and blessings.
        Ramadan is considered one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar because it is the month in which the first verses of the Holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by God through the Angel Gabriel.
        During this month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other worldly activities such as bad habits (i.e. smoking, gossiping, backbiting, etc) and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset.

“Purity of both thoughts and actions is important.”

        The main purpose of fasting is to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.  That is why Islam also teaches to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, encouraging actions of generosity and charity [Zakat (previously discussed)]. 

        We should make peace with those who have wronged us and strengthen ties with family and friends… basically we clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.  Every part of the body must be restrained:  the tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.  As a result, fasting is not only physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.

Prayer and reading of the Qur'an

            Besides fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an (which is not impossible if well-planned). Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Taraweeh, which are held in the masjid (mosques) every night of the month. These prayers are not required but they are recommended. 

Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

 How to break fast?

    Iftar, or the fast-breaking meal, occurs at sunset. The meal starts with 3 dates which is what Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to do. Then we pray Maghrib (the fourth daily prayer) and we sit and eat with family and friends or however might be your situation.

Laylat al-Qadr

     Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We don’t know the exact day but it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan.  During these days prayers and worship are increased.  Some stay overnight praying in congregation since it is very rewarding for us. 

Eid-Al-Fitr

     Known as the fast-breaking festival that marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan, and the first day of the following month.
     During this day, everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and collective prayers are held in the early morning.  The prayer is two raka'ah (cycle) only and it is extremely recommendable. It is a great celebration! 

Ramadan 2012 - July 20
Eid al-Fitr - August 19

*salat means prayer