Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan has started for Muslims, but what is ‘Ramadan’?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It begins with the sighting of the new moon. All physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use between dawn and sunset.
This year Ramadan will commence on the 21 or 22 August 2009. The month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. It reminds Muslims of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset.
When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the month of Ramadan is declared over. When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity.The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as Eid ul-Fitr, the 'Festival of Fast-breaking.' It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socialising, festive meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children. At the beginning of Ramadan, it is appropriate to wish Muslims 'Ramadan Mubarak' which means 'Blessed Ramadan.' At its conclusion, you may say 'Eid Mubarak'.
