Ramadan is a month-long holiday which ends in a celebration called Eid, observed by muslims which is based on the lunar cycle. Every year Muslims participate in a month-long fast, refrain from drinking food and eating water from sunrise to sunset. Usually Ramadan takes place in late or early spring, but this year it started in winter, February twenty-eighth.
For the past two years, the holy month of Ramadan has been increasingly earlier. Many Muslims are upset about this fact because it no longer holds the same feeling of nostalgia it had years ago. However, many are glad about this because the time to break fast decreases.
In a period of thirty-three years, Ramadan will move back approximately ten to eleven days. Ramadan is a month of repenting from one’s sins and getting closer to Allah (PBUH), those who fast during this month are rewarded with the forgiving of sins, and the potential to a greater afterlife.
Taraweeh is an essential practice in Ramadan which is a special night of prayer at least twenty raakats, and giving the younger kids a payment for fasting at the end of the month. Many muslims also read the Quran multiple times during the month, it is considered to be one of the main acts of worship and devotion to Allah. (PBUH)
People should be kinder during the holy month refraining from cursing, starting arguments, practicing self restraint, and avoiding anger and gossip. Those who do all these things earn the Blessing of Allah (PBUH).
Those who have friends and family who are observing this month are also required to follow a set of rules. They should not expose them to unholy actions, like swearing and showing inappropriate content, as well as not being allowed to eat in front of them without their permission.
While this month belongs to Islam, those who are outside of the religion are allowed to participate and are required to be respectful. Ramadan Mubarack!
