~*~ 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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