Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred time of worship for the 1.8 billion Muslims around the world.
One of the focuses this month is the strict fasting that Muslims participate in during Ramadan. During fasting, those who observe it are prohibited from eating or drinking during the day.
Below is detailed information about Ramadan and how it is celebrated each year.
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Ramadan is a time of mass prayer for Muslims. (Kalar Essa/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
- What is Ramadan?
- Can I eat and drink during Ramadan?
- What are the fasting rules for Ramadan?
- What is the importance of Ramadan?
- Who participates in Ramadan?
- How do Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan?
1. What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims all over the world. The month-long event, which includes intense fasting and prayers, concludes with the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.
There are many rules that Muslims must follow during Ramadan, including when to fast.
“Green Ramadan” is practiced by Muslims around the world who want to reduce waste and contribute more to environmental protection. To practice sustainability, Muslims carpool, eat less meat, volunteer, plant native plants, and spend more time outdoors.
2. Can I eat and drink during Ramadan?
Muslims who celebrate Ramadan cannot eat or drink anything during the day, including water, during the month. Fasting is an act of worship and has been practiced by Muslims for centuries during Ramadan.
There are some exceptions to this rule. According to the Associated Press, people who are sick, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and small children do not need to participate in the fast.
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Ramadan is a month-long event that involves intense fasting and prayer. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)
3. What are the fasting rules for Ramadan?
During the Ramadan fasting period, participants do not eat or drink from dusk to dawn during the month.
Before fasting, they usually eat something called ‘suhoor’. This is a pre-dawn meal that will help you get through your fasting days.
Besides Suhoor, there is also an evening feast known as ‘Iftar’. Muslims often gather for community iftar. Families can take home leftovers. However, do not eat any more until the fasting period is over.
There are other Ramadan rules that are observed from sunrise to sunset, such as no drinking, smoking, or sexual activity.
4. What is the importance of Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time that brings Muslims closer to God and reminds us of those less fortunate who are suffering. This is a time when prayer is emphasized and five prayers are to be observed every day during the month.
The month of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Other pillars are declaration of faith, daily prayers, acts of charity, and the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
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After fasting all day during Ramadan, families gather every night for a feast called iftar. (Agency/Universal Images Group, via Getty Images)
5. Who participates in Ramadan?
Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims and has important meaning in Islam. According to National Geographic, it was also part of the calendar of the ancient Arabs. An estimated 1.8 billion Muslims will participate in some degree of Ramadan fasting and celebrations each year.
Muslim-majority countries participate in this holy month, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia is home to Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic organization with over 60 million members.
6. How do Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan?
The end of Ramadan is marked by a day called Eid al-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
On one day, gifts and conversations are exchanged, feasts are eaten, and prayers are held among family and friends.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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