Ramadan - Month of Fasting
Ramadan -a month of obligatory daily fasting in Islam is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Daily fasts begin at dawn and end with sunset. Special nightly prayers called, Taraweeh prayers are held. The entire Quran is recited in these prayers in Mosques all around the world. This month provides an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to God. This is a month when a Muslim should try to:
 | See not what displeases Allah |
| Speak no evil |
| Hear no evil |
| Do no evil |
| Look to Allah with fear and hope |
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become God-fearing." (The Quran, 2:183)
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Ramadan ends with a day long celebration known as Eidul-Fitr. Eidul-Fitr begins with a special morning prayer in grand Mosques and open grounds of towns and cities of the world. the prayer is attended by men, women and children with their new or best clothes. A special charity, known as Zakatul-Fitr is given out prior to the prayer. The rest of the day is spent in visiting relatives and friends, giving gifts to children and eating.
| www.soundvision.com's page on Ramadan (An excellent resource) |
| www.moonsighting.com (calendars, announcements on start/end of Islamic months) |
| www.hilal-sighting.com (announcements on start/end of Islamic months) |
| www.islamicfinder.org (calendars, prayer times,...) |
The Magnificent World Event of Ramadan takes place in Makkah each year, where more than 3 million Muslims from all over the world go and spend time in worship and devotion to God. You can watch the special Taraweeh prayers being held in Makkah during this month either through a satellite dish network or internet. A website to watch these is:
| www.islamicity.com (may require a nominal fee for membership) |
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