This year the month-long celebration of Ramadan is expected to begin on June 17th.
With more than 1.5 Billion Muslims gearing up to celebrate the holiday, we wanted to
explore its origins and significance.
So what is Ramadan?
Well, Ramadan is a holiday practiced by all muslims.
They fast from sun-up to sun-down, to show their devotion to God, or Allah.
Ramadan comes on the ninth month in the lunar-based Islamic calendar - and it’s considered the
most holy month of all.
According to Islam, Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Angel Gabriel revealed
the word of God to the prophet Muhammad.
This later became the Quran, and included instructions to honor the month of Ramadan
itself.
The Quran says, “The month of Ramadhan [is] a guidance for the people and clear proofs
of guidance and criterion.”
So, when the moon is first sighted on the 9th month, all Muslims who are healthy and
past puberty are required to fast during daylight.
The fast includes abstention from food, water, sex, violence, smoking and any other sinful
behavior.
Fasting can be physically and psychologically challenging, but it’s supposed to help muslims
grow spiritually and show their devotion to God.
In some areas, especially northern nations, these fasts can last as long as 19 hours.
Fasting is an important part of Islam itself - it’s one of the religion’s five central
pillars.
In some places, like Turkey, or the United States, life during Ramadan reportedly doesn’t
change much.
However, business may slow down during the day in really hot countries, because most
are abstaining from water.
During Ramadan, restaurants may also stay open later, to serve people who can only eat
meals during the evening and nighttime.
The last ten days of Ramadan are the most important, and many choose to pray in seclusion
during this time.
One of these days is believed to be the actual day that Muhammad was first given the word
of god, and is called the Night of Power.
However, the exact date is disputed.
When Ramadan is over, there is a three-day feast.
This is also a popular time to visit graves of loved ones and pay homage.
Even in the United States, where only 1% of the population is Muslim, a white house dinner
has commemorated the end of Ramadan, every year since the ‘90s.
Islam is the second most popular religion globally, and Ramadan maintains a high profile
among the world’s numerous holidays.
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