This article is about the Islamic religious observances in the month of Ramadan. For information about the ninth month of the Islamic calendar called Ramadan, see Ramadan (calendar month).

The religious observances of Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان) occur throughout the entire Islamic calendar month.

Fasting during Ramadan

The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by all observant Muslims. The fasting during Ramadan has been so predominant in defining the month that some have been led to believe the name of this month, Ramadan, is the name of Islamic fasting, when in reality the Islamic term for fasting is sawm.

The Qur'an

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is specifically mentioned in three consecutive verses of the Qur'an:

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. (Yusuf Ali, 2:183)

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up)



from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. (Yusuf Ali, 2:184)

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. (Yusuf Ali, 2:185)

Prohibitions during the fast

Eating, drinking and sexual intercourse are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry/sarcastic retorts, and gossip. People and are meant to try to get along with each other better than they normally might. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.

Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty are not required to fast, though some do. However, if puberty is delayed, fasting becomes obligatory for males and females after a certain age. According to the Qur'an, if

If one who does not fit into one of the exempt categories breaks the fast out of forgetfulness, the fast is still valid. If, however, one intentionally breaks the fast, that individual must continue fasting for the remainder of the day but then make up for the entire day later. If one breaks the fast through consensual sexual intercourse, the trangressor must make up for the day by fasting for sixty consecutive days.

Breaking the fast

Many mosques will sponsor iftar (literally: break fast) meals after sundown for the community to come and end their day's fasting collectively. It is also common for such meals to take place at Muslim soup kitchens.

Ramadan has an entirely secular aspect based on breaking the fast. Many families will break the fast together, with abundant meals full of delicacies. Those who do not have to work may sleep during the day, rise and break the fast, then go out for a movie or shopping. Shops in Muslim countries stay open late during Ramadan.

Devout Muslims do not approve of this method of observing Ramadan. However, it is widespread.

Fasting in other religions

The Christian Lent and the Jewish Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, Fast of Esther, Tzom Gedalia, and Fast of the Firstborn are also times of fasting. This relates to that which is mentioned in Quran 2:183, ". Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you.", fasting is prescribed to Muslims as it was prescribed to those before them, e.g. Christian and Jewish, although the fasting practices of each religion might be different from one another. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) generally fast for 24 hours on the first Sunday of each month (Fast Sunday). Like Muslims, they refrain from all drinking and eating unless they are children or are physically unable to fast. Fasting is also a feature of ascetic traditions in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.

Other Practices

Tarawih

Main article: Tarawih

During this month, extra optional prayers of eight to twenty rakah, called tarawih, are prayed each night in the mosque by Sunni Muslims.

Shi'a Muslims do not pray this prayer. They call it an innovation in Islam .

Eid ul-Fitr

Main article: Eid ul-Fitr

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the beginning of the following month.

See also

• Asceticism
• Islam
• Lent

References

• Rizvi, Sayyid Muhammad (1989). . Retrieved Oct. 30, 2005.
• Yusof, Mimi Syed & Hafeez, Shahrul (Oct. 30, 2005). "When Raya was a bewildering experience". New Straits Times, p. 8.

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