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Muslims all over the globe began on Sunday a month –long
fast to mark one of Islam’s most important religious observances – the Ramadan.
Fasting during the Ramadan period is one of the five pillars
of Islam and, this year, Muslims will fast until the September 30 or October 1.
The Islamic tradition says that during the ninth month of
the Muslim calendar, the month of the Ramadan, the Qur'an began to be revealed
to the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century. The first verse of Islam’s
holly book was revealed during the Laylat al-Qadr, "The Night of
Decrees" or "Night of Measures." Laylat al-Qadr falls during an
odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadan and is considered the holiest night of
the year.
During this holly month, all healthy adult Muslims must not
eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Muslims are advised and pray more
during the Ramadan and ask for forgiveness for their sins. Sexual activity is
forbidden during fasting time.
The point of fasting is to teach one patience and humility. For
the Muslims, fasting (sawm) redirects the heart away from worldly activities
and directs its focus to clean the soul.
However, the Ramadan is observed quite differently around
the globe. In Nigeria
for example, it’s a very festive occasion and even if you aren’t Muslim you
will know what month of the Islamic calendar is because TV channels feature
Ramadan programs and most radio stations play Quran recitations.
The Islamic calendar is lunar so the Ramadan arrives 11 days
earlier every year on the Gregorian calendar. During this time of the year,
Muslims are also more charitable and spend more time citing from the Qur’an.
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