The bells are ringing; lights are lit; its Ramadan time.
Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic year. It is believed that it is during this time that the holy book of Muslims – Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed. During this period people observe fast and pray to God for His blessings. It is the time when people forgive each other’s mistakes. During Ramadan, Muslims pray and fast to grow spiritually and to connect with Allah. The beginning of Ramdan is marked by the appearance of the crescent shaped moon in the sky and it lasts for thirty day until the next appearance of the crescent shaped moon. The last day of the month of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the first day of the month of Shawaal.
Some of the religious practices of Ramadan are as follows.
●Prayers
●Charity
●Fasting
Prayers: The first prayer of the day during Ramadan is called fajr. The prayer just before the iftar is known as maghrib. Tariwah is the prayer recited during night. Muslims are also expected to read the Quran during Ramadan.
Charity: It is also known as Zakat which is the third pillar of Islam. Ramadan is the time for good deeds and the reward for the good deeds increase during the Ramadan period.
Fasting: It is also known as sawm which is one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and observe abstinence from food, drinks and sexual relationships. People who are old, physically ill and disabled, travelling are excluded from fasting. The meal eaten before the fast every day is called suhoor. The fast is broken by iftar where they start with dates and continue with different varieties of food and end with desserts.
During Ramdan, streets are decorated with lights. On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr (the day of fast breaking), people wear new clothes and great each other Eid Mubarak. They exchange gifts, flowers and go to the Mosque early to pray. They also have delicious meal during the day. Let the message of Ramadan fill the hearts of the people.
Eid Mubarak!!