What is Ramadan

Ramadan is here once again, the month that all Muslims around the globe look forward to every year. It is to Muslims, what Christmas is to Christian, except it is a month long ordeal. During this blessed month, we are to fast from food, water etc., from dusk to dawn. On top of the five daily prayers, we also attend Al-tarawih at night, which is not required, but is a Sunnah. We are also not allowed to have sex, smoke ciggarettes from dusk to dawn. So, when do we eat?

We are allowed to break our fast at dawn, as soon as the sun goes down. Through out the night, we can eat all we can, untill just before the 2nd addan(prayer callings) for the Fajr(Morning Prayer.)

Ramadan, is the fourth pilar of Islam. The 1st pillar is the Shahadah, which is to accept the oneness of Allah, and his prophet Mohamed(p.b.u.h). Then it is Salah, to pray five times a day. Then comes Zakah, the givings to the poor. Then is Sawm, which is to fast during the month of Ramadan. And finally Hajj, to take a pillgrimage to Mekkah if you are financially and physically capable of.

By the end of this precious month, all muslims are required to give to the poor. Through out the month, one becomes very acquainted to what it is like to go hungry, as many millions of poor people do each day. You also become very much free of worry, just pure peace, and continous prayers in ones life.

Through out this holy month, muslims are to refrain from all acts of evil. Such as, fighting, jelousy, backbitting, envying, hate, greed, lust, hursh language, gossip etc. We are also to avoid seeing and hearing obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Elderly, nursing mother, the ill, menstruating woman, are not permitted to fast. Also, soldiers in combat, and travelers who are away for fewer than 5days, are exempted, but must be made up soon after.