Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification achieved through fasting, self-sacrifice and prayers.
Celebrated during the ninth month of Islamic calendar, the fast is observed each day from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five Pillars of Islam. The Islamic belief that requires that Muslims perform five central duties in order to strengthen their faith.
Ramadan concludes with a 3-day festival known as "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast." The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state.
Overview
Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to reread the Qu'ran, in addition to their fasting and praying obligations.DefenseLink.gov: A Personal View of Ramadan (November 4, 2002) The end of Ramadan is marked by the next new moon. The festival of Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast.
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Fast Facts
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Begins at the first sighting of the new moon
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Fasting known as the "Sawm" in Arabic
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Fast includes abstentions from drinking, smoking, profane language and sexSalt Lake Tribune: South Jordan Athlete's Ready for Ramadan (August 30, 2008)
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Meals are permitted between sunset and dawn
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The ill are exempt from fasting until well
