The holiest month for those practising Islam, Ramadan, has begun today. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time when Muslims across the globe fast during daylight. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days.
This year, Ramadan is the longest in 33 years as the holy month coincides with the summer solstice, meaning people will have longer days of fasting.
Muslims believe that the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.
According to five pillars of Islam (Ramadan is one these five pillars), fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims. The common belief is that the holy month is a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating and drinking, and sexual activity.
Those who fast have one meal just before dawn known as the Suhoor and another known as the Iftar, directly after sunset.
Starting today, Ramadan will be celebrated till July 5th this year. ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, as a festival signifying the “Breaking of the Fast”.
So, the basic idea about the holy month is to spiritually detox the believer and use this month to cultivate self-discipline so that one keeps practising the rest of the year.
Ramadan Mubarak!!
The article first published on www.lafdatv.com
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