by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: June 10, 2011

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic hijri calendar. It was during the month of Ramadan that the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the cave of Hira in Mecca. Muslims all over the world, observe this month by fasting, praying, giving charity or zakat, reciting the Holy Quran and abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk with the intention of doing so as an act of worship.

It is stated in the Quran: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may gain Taqwa (piety)." (2: 183)

~Those who are exempt from fasting:

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty, is mentally and physically healthy and who is able to fast without fasting being hazardous to his health due to illness. The sick, the travelers and young children are not obliged to fast. Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers can also miss the fast but must compensate for the missed days afterwards.

~The prohibited acts during fasting

"Whoever does not abandon evil speech and acting upon it, then Allah is in no need for him to leave off his food and drink."(Agreed upon)

A fasting person abstains from food, drink, and physical relationship with the spouse. In addition to this, he must also abstain from all unlawful things which can nullify his fast. He must refrain from backbiting, quarreling, slander, swearing and using offensive language. All day long, he should try to stop himself from all acts of sins and transgression otherwise he will not gain any blessings from his fasting.

~The pre-dawn meal (Suhoor):

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Take up your suhoor, for verily in the suhoor, there is a blessing."(Bukhari)

Some people do not get up for the pre dawn meal and prefer to sleep which is not a good thing. Eating a good, nutritious meal at dawn makes sure we have enough energy for school and work during the day. If we really want to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan, then we should get up before dawn and then say our fajr prayers in mosque or at home.

~A Special Time:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven."(Bukhari)

Just before the azaan for the maghrib prayers echoes through the air, millions of people raise their hands to say special prayers for health, prosperity, good fortune and happiness of their family, country and the entire Muslim Ummah. It is

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