What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daytime hours in a thorough fast.
During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world refrain from all food, drink, and other satisfaction (smoking, sex, masturbation, etc.)
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is a time to disconnect from worldly pleasures and focus on one's personal self.
Fasting is purifying he soul as well as the body itself. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry & poor. Many devote more time at mosques and recite the Quran.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is taken rather seriously. A single sip of water or even one puff of smoke will invalidate the fast. Self control and restraint is tested.
The basic fast is broken with a sip of water, and dates at sunset (as done by Prophet Muhammad, in his time). Feasting is done afterwards, which is also known as 'Iftar.'
During Ramadan, every part of our bodies must be self-possessed. The tongue must be muted from badmouthing and gossip. The eyes must contain themselves from looking at improper things. The hand must give in charity, and not touch or take anything (steal) that does not belong to it. The ears must cease from listening to worthless talk or indecent words. The feet must renounce from going to aberrant places. The entire body is expected to fast.
We should feel gratitude for the abundances of Allah (God): clean water, ample healthy food, the security of a home, and wellbeing of our family. There are so many in the world who must thrive and survive without these fundamental needs, and Ramadan is an occasion for us, as humans, to give appreciations and reassert our obligation to aiding those in need.
