About Author: Nada A

Ramadan occurs on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is the month when the first verses of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). During this month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn till ‘magharib’(sunset). The Arabic word for fasting ‘sawm’ means “to refrain” – and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. It is also, meant to teach Muslims patience, modesty and to experience how people who are less fortunate go through days without water and food. This month is also an opportunity for Muslims to pray and ask God for forgiveness for the past sins they have done.

Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan:

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion. So whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or on a journey, (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for having guided you and that you may give thanks”

–Qur’an 2:185

Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims gather before dawn to eat Sahur. Which is preferred to be something light like sandwiches, dates and water or juice and then perform Fajr prayer. The day is spent reading Quran, doing good deeds like charity and providing food and drink for the needy and prepare for ‘iftar’ which occurs at sunset. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) recommended breaking the fast with dates and a glass of water. During this month, a special prayer is performed, also known as ‘taraweeh’ prayer. Throughout the day, Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

In many Muslim and non-Muslim countries with large Muslim populations, markets close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and not be distracted by food and drink. However, after iftar, malls, shops and markets open till midnight and sometimes till dawn so that, Muslims and other people can enjoy shopping, eating, entertainment with friends and family during the evening. In the U.A.E., eating or drinking during the daytime of Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community service.

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called ‘laylat al qadr’ the “Night of Power,” or the “Night of Destiny.” It is believed that on this night the Prophet Mohammed received the first revelation of the Qur’an. The Islamic holiday Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, Eid Al-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast; a special celebration is made.