Ramadan, also referred as the Fasting month, is observed by Muslims worldwide in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The Ramadan meaning in Arabic is ‘Scorching heat’ possibly because the holiday falls in a time when the temperatures are quite high in that part of the world. During this holiday, Muslims are not supposed to eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset given that fasting is one of the five pillars of Islamic principles. They are also instructed to avoid evil thoughts and sinful behavior such as cursing, lying and fighting except in self-defense.

Normally, the sighting of the crescent moon marks the end of the Holy Month. Muslims break their fasting by sharing meals with family and friends in a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr or the Feast of Fast-Breaking.

What is the History of Ramadan
According to the Islamic belief, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the Holy Month of Ramadan as he meditated in a cavern outside the Holy city of Mecca. The month is therefore meant to commemorate the first revelation which was sent down on Laylat al-Qadr popularly known as (The Night of Power)

What is Allowed and Not Allowed during Ramadan?
There are Ramadan rules and regulations that govern this Holy Month. Fasting is obligatory and as a Muslim, you are not required to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Similarly, if you’re observing Ramadan, you are not supposed to engage in sex during fasting hours, chew gum, smoke, backbite, lie, swear, gossip and all forms of sinful behavior.

What Do You Eat For Ramadan
There is a common misconception that Muslims don’t eat or drink at all for the 29-30 days of Ramadan. This is untrue as the body requires nourishment to keep going. The only time Muslims are not required to eat and drink is during the fasting hours. That means from sunrise to sunset. However, you can eat before dawn also known as Suhoor (morning meal) and after sunset called Iftar (evening meal). There are no restrictions on what you should eat, except for the already prohibited foods in Islam like pork products and alcohol.

What Are the Exact Dates of Ramadan?
There are no specific dates when Ramadan starts and ends. The Islamic lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar. Therefore, the dates keep shifting by about 11 days every year.

What Is The Main Purpose Of Ramadan?
Ramadan purifies one from impure thoughts, deeds, and material desires. This allows Muslims to fully concentrate on their faith through prayers, seeking forgiveness and being there for the needy.

Can Non-Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
Non-Muslims are free to fast and pray with their Muslim friends during Ramadan. If not willing to participate as a Non-Muslim you can greet those fasting with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem which translates to ‘Have a blessed or generous Ramadan.’

Who Should Fast During Ramadan?
Generally, everyone who has passed puberty should take part in Ramadan fasting. There are however exceptions like pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, diabetic patients and those with disabilities and special medical conditions. Although children are not supposed to fast, you can make Ramadan for kids interesting. Read to them books about Ramadan, teach them the appropriate Ramadan greetings, involve them in preparing Iftar dinners and when the holy month ends, celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr together.

How to Celebrate Ramadan?
Besides fasting, Ramadan is a time to recharge your faith in Allah. Some of the things you can do during the Holy month include reading the Quran daily, observing prayers on time, seeking forgiveness, building healthy relationships and visiting the needy. As a Muslim, you should also practice charity as one of the five Islamic pillars. During Ramadan, be generous by showing empathy to the hungry, raising money for the poor, donating clothes and food and eating the Iftar dinners with the less fortunate.

How Long Is Ramadan?
Typically, the month begins on the last full moon of the particular month and lasts 29 or 30 days. In most cases, Ramadan falls between late May and late June. For the holy month to end, the crescent moon must be seen at Mecca on the 29th day. If not seen, the month goes for an extra day and ends at 30 days. However, some Muslim organizations prefer following astronomical charts to plan events and activities ahead of time.


The sound is from Dr Zakir Naik Channel
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