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. Those fasting are expected to also refrain from bad deeds, such as gossiping, and to increase good deeds. 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. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle. 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. 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 is that month for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations to focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making Ramadan an essential time of devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. It’s a month that strengthens the connection between Muslims and their faith, encouraging acts of kindness, empathy, and charity. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. It commemorates the first revelation of Muhammed and, as such, observance of the month is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. The Significance of Ramadan and Fasting: Allah says in the Quran: 'O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183) The fasting of Ramadan is essentially a basic and minimal requirement for the fulfillment of one’s faith in Islam. Supplementing this, it is the voluntary fasts kept by those seeking nearness and additional favour from God that grants them approval as truly righteous servants. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam which is of paramount significance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing Prayer, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (), and fasting the month of The reason fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is like fasting for a year is because Allah multiplies good deeds by ten. The Prophet clarified in another narration, “Fasting the month of Ramadan is like ten months of fasting and fasting six days of Shawwal is like two months of fasting. Thus, they are like fasting for a year.” Years later when the fast of Ramadan was made compulsory, the Angel Gabriel used to sit with Muhammad every day during Ramadan so that the latter could recite all that had been revealed so far of the Quran. In his final year, the Prophet recited the entire Quran twice in Ramadan. The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called 'Eid ul-Fitr' (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the Discover the significance of Ramadan 2025, its history, fasting rules, key dates, and why it holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. Learn about Laylat al-Qadr, Eid, and the importance of giving during this sacred month. Fasting for Ramadan is one of the five pillars, meaning it is mandatory for all able Muslims and forms a significant aspect of their devotion to Allah. To Attain Piety Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: The Health Benefits of Ramadan Fasting. Fasting during Ramadan serves a whole bunch of health-related purposes besides just spiritual goals. The fasting time cleanses your body; improves the digestive system; marries some resetting of eating habits, and many Muslims say they also experience mental clarity and focus in huge chunks. So while fasting is the basis of the month of Ramadan, the spirit of Ramadan is much more than the mechanical act of abstaining from food and other desires. To reap the full rewards of Ramadan, one should keep in mind that it is a great time to reconnect with God, with our own self and with the community around us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The prayer of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is never rejected.” (Sunan Ibn Majah) 10. Preparation for the Rest of the Year. Ramadan serves as a spiritual training ground, equipping Muslims with the discipline, patience, and piety needed to face the challenges of the rest of the year. The meaning of Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual reflection, devotion, and discipline for Muslims around the world. fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental
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