Ramadan is one of the most important holidays for Muslims. This marks the ninth month of lunar calendar in Islam. This month is regarded as the period of fasting for many Muslims all around the world. During this month, Muslims abstain from drink, physical needs and food. This is the period whereas Muslims dedicate themselves in purifying their souls, repent on their wrongdoings, observe self-sacrifice and devote their attention to Allah.
The fast and celebration of devout prayer marks the month in which Muslims believe Allah revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It is the most important month in the Islamic calendar and it is obligatory for the vast majority of Muslims to fast during Ramadan.
As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the fast’s start date varies from one year to the next. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims begin fasting well before sunrise and cannot eat or drink until after the sun sets. That means that when Ramadan occurs during the long days of spring, the fasting can be particularly challenging.
After fasting all through the day, Muslims are then expected to attend one of the many places like mosque to listen to the imam recite chapters from the Quran and say special prayers. It is usual for the final chapter to be concluded on the 19th,21th,23th night of Ramadan, called the Night of ghadr. The mosques can get very busy.
Islam allows for some people to be excused from fasting, including the elderly, those with terminal diseases, young children, those who travelling .
The end of Ramadan will be marked with a day of communal prayer throughout the city, followed by private get-togethers where friends and family celebrate with a feast.
Before prayers begin, each head of a household is expected to make a charitable donation, called Fitra, to a just cause on behalf of everyone in the home.