What you need to know about Ramadan

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1. Mandatory for all Muslims

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the “five pillars of Islam” and therefore one of the fundamental obligations for Muslims.

2. Fasting

During Lent, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and having sex from dawn to dusk.

3. Not everyone needs to fast

The obligation of fasting is valid for every adult and healthy Muslim. Children gradually begin fasting, for example, giving up food for a few hours a day. The obligation to fast for sick, elderly and pregnant women has been abolished.

4. Ramadan is the ninth month

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Unlike our Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Like every Islamic month, Ramadan begins with a new moon. Fasting begins as soon as the new moon (crescent) can be seen with the naked eye, according to the instruction of the Prophet Muhammad.

5. The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan.

This month, the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad came from Gabriel.

6. The meaning of the name

The word “Ramadan” comes from Arabic and means “hot month”, “great heat”, “scorched earth” and “food scarcity”. Hence the name means both dry month and physical strain.

7. Lending varies around the world

Lent depends on where you live. Scandinavian countries have very long days in the summer and therefore have to fast for longer periods of time. Iceland fasts the longest at almost 22 hours, while Australia fasts just under ten hours.

8. Fasting as a healing

Many Muslims see Ramadan as a break for body and mind. They try to become clear about Allah and themselves and carefully read the Qur’an, for example. In addition to intense prayer, a particularly friendly interaction with other people is developed.

9. There is a state of emergency in Muslim countries

It is almost impossible to avoid Ramadan in Muslim countries. Everything moves much slower in schools and offices during the day. If you can, try to fill the time of day with lots of sleep. Celebrations and concerts take place at night, and the streets take on the air of a folk festival.

10. A great feast is celebrated after fasting

After 30 days, fasting ends and Eid al-Fitr is celebrated. The holiday of breaking the fast is a high point for many Muslims. The most beautiful clothes are put on, gifts are distributed, and the family gathers for a big meal. Muslims also use the holiday to forgive each other and give thanks to Allah.

Source : Blick