The Holy Month Of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan this year (1433 Hijri, according to the Islamic Calendar) started on July 20. It is a call to Muslims around the world to start the month-long period of fasting and prayers.
Voice in a cave
"Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word rmd which means "scorching heat" denoting shortness of rations and marks the ninth month of the lunar calendar year. During this month in 610 AD, Muslims believe that the Holy book of Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad, a caravan trader, while he was on a spiritual quest through the deserts of Saudi Arabia. The voice of Archangel Gabriel in a cave near Mecca proclaimed Muhammad as a Prophet and a messenger of God.
An all-day fast
Ramadan is a period of fasting, worshipping God and reading the holy Qur'an. In some countries like Indonesia, families visit cemetaries to pay respects to their deceased family members before the start of the month.
During the holy month, the faithful wake up before sunrise for a pre-dawn breakfast known as Suhoor. They do not eat or drink all day until sunset when they break their fast with a special meal called Iftar. In many cities, the marketplaces come alive in the evening as people step out after sunset to share a meal, eat out or shop.
Later that night, Muslims attend a special prayer at the mosque. Each night, they recite a section of the Qur'an and the entire holy book is covered during the month.
Time for festivities!
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr follows the last day of Ramadan and is declared a national holiday in many countries. On this day, Muslims attend special prayers, wear nice clothes and eat out with families and friends. People also give food and money to charities and those less fortunate. Eid this year, falls on August 17, though some places might celebrate it a day earlier or a day later, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Notes
Lunar calendar
The lunar calendar is based on the moon; it has 11 days less than the 365-day Gregorian calendar that is based on the sun's cycle. China and India use a variation of of lunar calendar to align with the 365 days. In some countries, new moon is defined as start of the month whereas for others, it is the full moon.
How can you fast for a whole month? You have really cool customs!
that is so cool!
this article is so cool
nice article
i don't celebrate ramadan but i am interested in it because my favourite tv show always shows the celebration of ramadan
Guys what age did you start fasting...do you fast on school days?
well, i did when i was 7 years old and now i m 11 and from next year i will have to fast the whole month
I started fasting well 7 years old you are suppose to be 13
When you HAVE to!
Fasting is not that difficult after one or two days, the funny thing is once its time to break your fast you don't feel that hungry
Up here in Maine we have practically no Muslims. We never see any of the advertisements for Ramadan. But I did do a religion report on Islam once. It was quite interesting.
Rachel Islam is a wonderful religion to study. its full of purity faith and loyalty to Allah almighty.
Ramadan seems a little hard to me not eating for the day.
People I am starving I woke for suhoor I want food!!!!!!!,!,
It is not difficult! I fast everyday! I am Muslim! This was all true! And it is Ramadan now. EID IS COMING!j
Well, actually you cannot eat from dawn to dusk. So you can eat before the sun rises too.
It is so fascinating to learn about different cultures! I had a friend in elementary school who was Muslim and she celebrated Ramadan. :)
i am doing ramadan and you know it isnt as hard as u think, because if u do your payer's then allah (god) will help u in a way. The best part is we get to stay up until about 3,4 lol!!!
Are u muslim
yes
that must be difficult.
Nothing is ever difficult unless u try it out and see what results u get.......
I think it would be very hard to fast every day for a month, even if you get to eat when it's dark.
This is a huge month for Muslims. I wonder how they fast for a month?
It is in our blood. i also fast. its a month of complete purity, and forgiveness . its not that hard.
me too!!
you say!
This is good article, I learned a lot.
I don't celebrate Ramadan but I have seen many special advertisements on TV because of Ramadan.