In Islam, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and contemplation. It is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic year. The month usually lasts from around 29 to 30 days, based on the crescent moon shape. Muslims take this time to concentrate on their faith. During Ramadan, Muslims are not supposed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and steer clear of wrongful thoughts and behaviors. It is a time when people become more thoughtful and helpful towards the poor and needy. Eligible Muslims take up a fast for some part of a day, in this month. The fast is broken at the time of the evening prayer, and the meal eaten at this part of the day, is traditionally called ‘Iftar’. Muslims invite their friends, relatives, colleagues, and even people of other religions to have food with them.

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

From what I’ve noticed, the Muslim community is one of the friendliest ones. And that friendliness just keeps getting better during the month of Ramadan. They share food, gifts, money and other things, as a token of their love and friendship. Most importantly, the good deeds they render towards others, during this time, is simply exemplary. Families, friends, and neighbors gather during the night sharing food, sweets, joy, and happiness. In families, during Ramadan, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and other people take turns to stay in a family member’s home. This circulation will happen throughout Ramadan. Many different varieties of foods are prepared by Muslim women. Recipes and cuisines made are really delicious. Some of the popular foods during Ramadan are, pide bread, Fattoush salad, harira soup, cheese biscuits, etc.

I hope this month of Ramadan enlightens your families, with the blessings of joy, love and peace. My heartfelt Ramadan wishes!!

RAMADAN KAREEM!!!

Joel Reju Daniel, Grade-10A, Indian Learners Own Academy, Kuwait