Ramadan

September is the month for Ramadan among our Muslim brothers and sisters. A religious observance being observed on the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar believed to be the month where Qur’an was revealed to Angel Gabriel then later on to Prophet Muhammad. It is a month for fasting wherein Muslim participants do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. A time to offer for more prayer, asking forgiveness for the sins of the past, asking for guidance in the future, and asking for help with refraining from every day evils and trying to purify oneself through self-restraint and good deeds.

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month which is an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of rations and also considered the most venerated and blessed month of the Islamic year. Laylat al-Qadr that falls during an odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadan is considered to be the most holy night of the year. Ramadan ends with the holiday Eid ul-Fitr wherein feasts are being held and Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days after the month following Ramadan which is called Shawwal.