During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to fast (Arabic: صوم, sawm; Persian: روزہ, rozeh), every day from dawn to sunset. Fasting requires the abstinence from sex, food, drinking, and smoking. Worshippers perform a night prayer called ‘Tarawih’ during the eve of the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Turkey at the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel, File) Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. What is Ramadan Fasting? Ramadan fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the core practices of the religion. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day for the entire month of Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink during the hours of daylight. This is called fasting. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, pregnant, or menstruating. [15] The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Fasting during the month of Ramadan, called the sawm, is considered one of the five pillars of Islam that shape a Muslim's life. The Arabic word for fasting means "to refrain," not only from food and drink but also from evil actions, thoughts, or words. Fasting during Ramadan means abstinence from all food or drink, including water and chewing gum, from dawn to sunset. It is recommended that before sunrise, Muslims eat a prefast meal known as suhur. This meal often resembles breakfast, but in some cultures it may include more dinner-like foods. The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. One of the special gifts for Al Eid is receiving money as a gift, it’s called Eidya. Conclusion. In conclusion, The end of Ramadan is called Eid Al-Fitr and it’s a major Islamic holiday. This special festival of breaking a month of fasting is all about gratitude for Allah for All his blessings during Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).. During this time, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, a command given to Muslims in the Quran itself, instructing believers to observe fasting as an act of devotion and self-discipline. Ramadan, also called as Ramzan/Ramzaan/Ramazan, is not only about fasting but it is also a time to pray and get closer to Allah. This holy month is also a time for increased spiritual devotion as Since there are 12 lunar months superimposed over 12 solar months, Ramadan “moves back” about 11 days per solar year. In 2025, the first day of fasting is expected to be March 1, though given (Please Click Here to know about the people who are exempt from Fasting during Ramadan) Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. However, they may also think about the benefits of fasting which may include developing control over hunger, thirst and sexual urges, training to be a good moral person and, testing sincerity to the Fasting during Ramadan carries many additional benefits for the heart and soul - increased empathy for those in need, gratitude for blessings, and discipline over desires. But it’s not just about the physical fast—it’s a fast of the heart and soul from negativity and heedlessness, a reset for the mind and soul. Muslims are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside Ramadan may suffice. A pre-dawn meal is common and considered to be a highly meritorious practice. Breaking fast at sundown is often done with dates and milk, followed by a fuller meal after the evening prayers. Fasting the lunar month of Ramadan is such an important Pillar of Islam that Muslims believe that if one dies without having made up the missed fasts, the guardian (or heir) must make them up, for they are a debt owed to Allah. Why is Ramadan called Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is, or should be, visible. The Finally, after a long month of fasting, Muslims end Ramadan with a big celebration called Eid. The Eid following Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr, is bigger than Eid al-Adha, Mawlid, and the Muslim New Year all combined. Preparing for Ramadan. Muslims get ready for Ramadan weeks or months in advance.
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