Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month
begins with the sighting of the new moon.
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam on Mohammed, the messenger of Allah.
Ramadan is a “month of” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity.
Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan.
This means that they eat or drink nothing, including water, from sunshine to sunset. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
– Islamic calendar التقويم الهجري
– Verses آيات
– the holy book الكتاب المقدس
– Blessing البركة
– Prayer, fasting, and charity الصلاة والصيام والإحسان
– Purposes أغراض
– Cleanse يطهر – ينقي
– Sacred مقدس
– Spiritual devotion ورع أو تقوي الروح
– Kinship القرب من
