Ramadan is a much revered and blessed month for Muslims all over the world, it is one of the five pillars of Islam which Muslims regard very highly.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, and is regarded as a very special month as the Quran (Holy Book) was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed pbuh during Ramadan.
Muslims fast for 29/30 days – this can vary each year, depending on the lunar calendar. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon and falls 10/11 days earlier each year. This year Ramadan will be starting in the summer again, and due to the long hot days, this will bring its challenges and pleasures.
Muslims’ fasts consist of nothing passing the lips, meaning no food or water (including no smoking) from sunrise to sunset. There follows a great deal of excitement awaiting the announcement of the sighting of the moon as people rush to buy various foods to prepare sahoor (start of the fast) and iftar (end of the fast). When the moon is sighted, people contact each other and greet one another by saying Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, which means, “Have a blessed and generous month of Ramadan.”
Ramadan Kareem.
The True Spirit Of Ramadan
