On the first day of Ramadan, the world’s 1.2 billion Muslims will begin their month-long fast. During Ramadan Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. Fasting makes up one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory upon every able Muslim past the age of puberty. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins 11 days earlier each year. Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Al-Hijrah, and was the month in which the first verses of the holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
In the Quran it says:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (2:183-185)
Ramadan offers Muslims a chance to better themselves spiritually and is a time for inner reflection and renewed devotion to God. It is a time for self-purification and renewed commitment to Islam. Fasting is done only for God’s sake and Muslims will be rewarded for obeying God’s will. In fact, before Ramadan, many Muslims pray that they will just live to see another Ramadan, a month filled with many blessings.
Muslims usually break their fast with some water and dates. During Ramadan, Muslims read the entire Qur’an, and perform special prayers called Taraweeh after the daily nighttime prayer. In the month of Ramadan, Muslims look forward to Lailat Al Qadr (The night of Power), which marks the night on which Prophet Muhammad first began receiving revelations from God, through the Angel Gabriel. Muslims believe Lailat Al Qadr falls in the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan.
“Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the fast-breaking marks the end of Ramadan and is estimated to take place on Dec. 16, 2001. Muslims mark the end of Ramadan by offering special alms with communal prayers. On this occasion, Muslims greet one another with the phrase “Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid). The holiday is observed with festive feasts, exchanging of gifts and visiting family and friends.
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