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Muslims are given a month called Ramadan to better themselves. They exhibit self-discipline all the while strengthening their faith and devotion to Allah. Muslims practice Ramadan globally by fasting and remembering Allah. Allah refers to the god Muslims worship. In some regions, Christians and Jews also call their god “Allah”.
When is Ramadan?
The Islamic Calendar, or the Hijri Calendar, is based on 12 lunar months. The sighting of a new moon marks the start of a new month. That means Muslim holidays are on different dates every new year. Ramadan 2022 is predicted to be April second to May first.
The Islamic months have their own names. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan ends 29-30 days after it starts.
Why Fast during Ramadan?
Sawm, or fasting, is one of the five pillars of Islam. The idea behind fasting from sunup to sundown is being able to understand the suffering of others. The Quran, a guideline for Muslims, was revealed during Ramadan. After it was revealed, Ramadan became a holy month. The Quran suggests that fasting is a way to see the month.
What do Muslims do During Ramadan?
Muslims are to fast during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. They are encouraged to pray and read the Quran. Another act of worship that is encouraged is charity. One example is donating.
Although fasting should be practiced during the month, there are other things Muslims should not do. Muslims should not listen to music, but devote their time to prayers and remember Allah. Listening to music is an example of wasting time, something not suggested during Ramadan. Practicing self discipline would be refraining from watching TV, oversleeping, or shopping. Gossiping and talking ill of others is also not suggested.
During Ramadan, Muslims share meals with family or friends every night. It is called iftar. Before dawn, they have a meal called suhoor. Rich desserts is served before traditional dishes.
The Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, causing it to be celebrated worldwide. It is celebrated for the three days of Shawwal, the 10th month. Some ways it is celebrated is by official receptions. Friends could greet one another and give new presents. New clothes are worn during that time. The graves of relatives are also visited.
After Ramadan, the hajj happens. It is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims should go if they can afford going on the hajj. Another condition to join is that their absence would not trouble their family.
The worldwide celebrated Ramadan, where Muslims fast and worship Allah. Self discipline is exhibited during the time, allowing believers of Allah to have a chance to better themselves.