Why is Ramadan celebrated? Ramadan is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world, and is generally considered their most important of all holidays. The ninth month of the Islamic calender is the Ramadan period, and this is believed to be the month when the Qur'an was first revealed. The name of Ramadan is named after the month on the calender in which the holiday takes place. The name itself is the Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground, and shortness of rations.
What people do, and how Ramadan is celebrated. Ramadan is celebrated during the whole ninth month of the Islamic calander. This month is considered to be the most blessed and important part of the entire year. Laylat al-Qadr takes place during the last 3rd of the month, and is used to commemorate the revelation of the beginning verses of the Qur'an and is also considered the most holy night of the year. Ramadan concludes with the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, where many feasts and other events are held. One of the most important events of the Ramadan month is the daytime fasting or sawm as it is called in Arabic and is practiced by almost all observant Muslims. Each day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the planet get up before dawns break to eat the Suhoor meal or the pre dawn meal in Arabic and then perform their fajr prayer. They then break their fast when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib or sunset, is due. Places to be/see for Ramadan Markets close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and consume the Iftar meal or the meal to end the fast. These markets are then re-opened for most of the remaining hours of the night. The Muslims are often seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during these evening hours. Ramadan Activities The actives of Ramadan include but are not limited to Prayers,fasting, charity, and being held self accountable. During the month following Shawwal, Muslims are still widely encouraged to fast for an additional 6 more days. During the Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more time and effort into following the teachings and ways of Islam and also are to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds, as well as actions. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also strictly forbidden. The purity of both thoughts and mind are incredibly important. |
