Ramadan- The holiest month of the year
The month of Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This is when Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammed received the final part of a series of revelations from God, which became the holy book, also known as the Quran.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered one of the 5 Pillars of Islam, five activities that shape a Muslim's life. Prayer occurs on a daily basis; pilgrimage is done once in a lifetime whilst charity and professing one's faith are both ongoing. Fasting the month of Ramadan is an annual observance; every year, Muslims take an entire month out of their lives to observe this strict fast and rededicate themselves to worship and faith.
The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts and words.
Muslims all around the world abstain from eating, drinking and physical activities (apart from in the evening). Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.
It is seen as a time to make peace, strengthen ties with family and friends and get rid of bad habits; essentially cleaning up lives, thoughts and feelings.
The physical effects of the fast are felt by Muslims as a reminder of those who suffer throughout the year; those who are poor, homeless and refugees and who cannot meet their basic needs. It reminds Muslims not to be wasteful and to feel empathy.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the first sight of the new moon. Eid al Fitr is the ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’ in the Islamic religion, large amounts of food are consumed by family and friends who come together to enjoy the end of the fasting period.
