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. 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. CAIRO (AP) — Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it’s a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity and good deeds. 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. Muslims must have the intention to fast every night during the month of Ramadan. They also must abstain from acts that nullify the fast: eating, drinking, smoking, engaging in sexual intercourse, intentionally vomiting, menstruating, or bleeding during childbirth. Emrah Gurel. FILE - 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 Most Muslims fast for eleven to sixteen hours during Ramadan. However, in polar regions, the period between dawn and sunset may exceed twenty-two hours in summer. For example, in 2014, Muslims in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Trondheim, Norway, fasted almost twenty-two hours, while Muslims in Sydney, Australia, fasted for only about eleven hours. 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 in the month of Ramadan is one of the deeds of worship required of all Muslims who have attained puberty. Women who are having their menstrual period or who have not fully recovered from childbirth, postpone the fast until they are completely out of their special conditions. Iftar, a meal consumed to break fast.It is a sunnah to break fast with dates. In Islam, fasting (known as sawm, [1] Arabic: صوم; Arabic pronunciation: or siyam, Arabic: صيام; Arabic pronunciation:) is the practice of abstaining, usually from food, drink, sexual activity and anything which substitutes food and drink. Every year, Muslims worldwide anticipate the sighting of the crescent moon that signifies the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. In line with the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm, Muslims fast all through Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Muslims believe this month was when God began to reveal the Qur’an to Muhammad in 610. While there are some exceptions, Muslims are told to fast during Ramadan. The fasting means nothing consumed, including water, from the first light of sunrise, until the sun is fully set. Fasting Ramadan for the first time as a new Muslim, or a Muslim renewing their practice, can seem like an intimidating task. To many, refraining from food, drink, and intimacy with one’s spouse during daylight hours sounds exhausting and even painful. The importance of fasting in Islam lies in its ability to strengthen faith, build character, and foster compassion. By following the rules of fasting for Ramadan, Muslims maximize their rewards and spiritual growth, making fasting an essential part of Islamic life. 11 Rules of Fasting: What Should You Know for a Valid Ramadan Fast? Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is a time of great devotion, self-discipline, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. In addition to being a guide for millions of individuals in their daily prayers, the exact fasting timings—which specify when to begin and end the fast each day—are crucial to this sacred observance. During the fasting period of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally take two fixed meals: A morning meal called Sahur, usually eaten half an hour before dawn; and Iftar, the fast-breaking meal immediately after sunset. Following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims break the fast with eating dates. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is a time to grow spiritually and strengthen faith. Rules of Fasting Who must fast? Muslims all over the world wait eagerly for Ramadan, as it is a time of increased inner peace and well-being. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every adult Muslim, male or female, who has reached puberty, is sane and who is not sick or traveling. Ramadan is the holy month when Muslims around the world observe fasting (Siyam) as an act of worship and obedience to Allah. Fasting during Ramadan is a way to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and develop self-discipline. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which means it is an essential practice for all adult Muslims. However Ramadan in Houston will begin on Feb. 28 and end on March 30 and marks a month-long period of fasting, prayer, communal gathering and spiritual observance for Muslims.
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