Ramadan on the Net - The Fast of Ramadan

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 -

: the telling of a lie
: slander
: denouncing someone behind his back
: a false oath
: 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.

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Comments

mohammed abumtr

09:22 08/21/2008

Im a muslim, i live in russia and i love the month of &quot; ramada&quot; too much

zohreh

05:54 08/21/2008

only isnt sufficiont praying we should helpto poor people .avoid from evil

Marwa

08:00 08/20/2008

REPLY to Steve No we don't give any gifts on the begining of Ramadan but we say Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. As for celebrating Eid, we don't give gifts but instead we give money (big cash) to old and young whom ever you think you are responsible for. We have some decoration but not to much then we go out and wish happy eid to other muslim who broke their fast. Try to gather her friends and invite them to a drink for evening outing or go to their place. Give Kids and children from her side money dosn't have to be alot just a $1 or $2 is fine.

samira

07:13 08/20/2008

that is the right way to fast bothers and sisters

Ahmad shah rasta

04:59 08/20/2008

sallam allikum. i read all this artical that was good but nt as much i expect to be so pls if u gave us more information about ramazan that will be good and i appriciate it thanks allah hafiz

gamal

23:04 08/19/2008

aselam alakom happy ramadan

askmuslims volunteer

21:41 08/18/2008

If you want to learn more about Islam or have questions about Islam please visit http://askmuslims.com Its a good site which was designed for people who have limited or zero knowledge about Islam. Peace.

neelam

14:54 08/18/2008

this article is good, great! but i was actually i was looking for something like &quot;how fasting in ramadhan came about?&quot; plz try and find out and get back to me thx! bye

Steve

10:21 08/18/2008

My wife is Muslim and I'm not. I want to support her. Do you give gifts at the beginning of Ramadan or just at the end when Eid-al-Fitr starts? Can you also tell me how you celebrate Eid-al-Fitr? Thank you for all your help. Steve

hawaa

21:55 08/17/2008

Ramadan begins Tuesday, September 02, 2008 and ends Wednesday, October 01, 2008 this year. (edit: Depends where you live. Visit our calendar page for more info)

Visit our other holiday celebrations

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