The Fast of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month
of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was
sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of
direction, and a means of Salvation"
It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the
Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time
when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on
the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship
and contemplation
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the
daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink
during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are
also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast
is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the
evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go
out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next
morning
According to the Holy Quran:
One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until
you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread
by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -
1. the telling of a lie
2. slander
3. denouncing someone behind his back
4. a false oath
5. greed or covetousness
These are considered offensive at all times, but are most
offensive during the Fast of Ramadan
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid
(Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the
Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan
Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer
(Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times
as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire
night in prayer
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate
the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that
on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the
Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God
determines the course of the world for the following year
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it
is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr
(the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and
family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In
some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of
Ramadan.
The Fast of Ramadan
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