Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It is when Muslims observe Sawm, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, a Muslim has to fast during the daylight hours for the whole month. Before the fast starts (at dawn), a Muslim makes a statement of intention:
O God, I intend to fast today in obedience to your command and only to seek your pleasure.
Sawm is a very important part of Islam because it was during Ramadan that the Holy Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. By fasting, Muslims are able to practice self- discipline and prepare themselves for any suffering that they may have to face. It is also spiritual training and a way of submitting to the will of Allah. It is a time of prayer and good deeds, when one can do positive extra activities which bring a sense of fulfilment and spiritual reward " ˜Zakat' (charity) is also involved. Some cities make large evening meals for hundreds of people. Some Muslims endeavour to read the whole Qur'an during the month of Ramadan.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, which means that each new month begins with the appearance of the new moon Therefore the date of Ramadan varies annually. This can mean that it can sometimes take place in summer, when days are long and hot (particularly in Arabic countries), or in winter, when days are much shorter and cooler. This means than fasting during Ramadan is harder during some times of the year than during others.
It is compulsory for every Muslim over the age of 12 to fast during this month but there are some exceptions. People who are very old or sick (physically or mentally or both), pregnant, travelling,or who are soldiers do not have to fast but they must fast at a convenient time later on. A Muslim who breaks the fast without a good reason must give 60 people a meal or fast for a further 60 days. It is easier to keep Ramadan in a Muslim country, where everyone around you is also fasting. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset, throughout the month of Ramadan. During this time, eating, drinking, and smoking are forbidden. The fast ends at sunset, and the meal, which is taken to break the fast, is called 'Iftar'. It is Islamic tradition to break the fast each day by eating something that is light " such as, as Muhammad (sal) did, dates or a drink. Dates are considered highly nutritious and are symbolic of ancient times.
