Ramadan is known as the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.
For Muslims it is a period for stressing the holiness of the human person and their relationship with their Maker. It is characterised by intense fasting and prayer, abstaining from pleasures and charity.
It is also a communal experience, one of solidarity in the faith, including at the simplest level – the family.
Why do Muslims fast?
It is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry.
Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan.
Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are not required to fast. Those who travel or are unwell during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast unless they have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
How long does it last?
Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are a time of intense worship, followed by a three-day holiday. Eid ul-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is a time of gifts, food and festivities.
Basic Ramadan etiquette:
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the fasting hours.
Do not dance or play music in public. You may listen to music quietly.
Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public. Dress respectfully. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless tops, the women cover their shoulders and knees.
Do not swear.
Accept gifts politely. And if invited, consider it a blessing to join someone at Iftar (the breaking of the fast at dusk).
