WHAT IS RAMADAN?

Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture. Muslims observe the month of Ramadan, to mark that Allah, or God, gave the first chapter of the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 according to the Times of India. During Ramadan, Muslims fast away from pleasure and pray to be closer to God. It is also a time for families to gather and celebrate.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is a lunar calendar based on the lunar cycle. The warning began the morning after the crescent moon marked the beginning of the new month. Traditionally, people searched for a little crescent using the naked eye, which has led to different initial declarations for Ramadan due to weather or geography. To have a more consistent start time for Muslims around the world, astronomical calculations are sometimes now used. Using science to mark the beginning of the month is still controversial and in many parts of the world, Ramadan still hasn't begun until the religious leaders announce that they have personally seen the crescent.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars or tasks form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion.

According to the Islamic Guide, Pillars of Islam are:

Shahada: faith in Islam.

Prayers: pray five times a day facing Mecca.

Zakat: giving support to those in need.

Fasting: fast during the month of Ramadan.

Hajj: make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during one's life.

During Ramadan, devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drinks, but Muslims also have to refrain from smoking, taking oral medication and engaging in sexual activities, as well as gossiping, fighting and lying.

In order for fasting to be valid, Muslims must intend seriously and obey the laws that surround fasting. Commitments must be made every day before dawn when eating sahur. Fasting will be considered canceled if someone eats or drinks, intentional vomiting, sexual intercourse or menstrual bleeding. If fasting is broken or canceled, Muslims must change fasting the other day after Ramadan.

Source: https://www.livescience.com/61815-what-is-ramadan.html

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