Jeddah: Ramadan is the month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder of the suffering of the needy, and a chance for Muslims to become more pious. Nightly prayers, or Taraweeh, are unique to Ramadan, performed after the five daily prayers. Reciting the Qur’an is another common ritual during Ramadan, when Muslims believe God revealed His book to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Performing Umrah, the smaller pilgrimage, is a great virtue during Ramadan.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or having sex from sunrise to sunset. They also try to avoid evil thoughts and deeds. Fasting is compulsory for every able-bodied Muslim who is not elderly, sick, pregnant or travelling. More than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world will mark the month. Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because tradition says the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during that month.
It is followed by the Eid al-Fitr festival. Fasters are encouraged to maintain two meals during Ramadan: Sohour and Iftar. While Iftar, the breaking-fast meal at sunset, is considered very important, Sohour is even more so. It is consumed before dawn, and seen as vital to keeping the body strong throughout the fasting hours. In addition to perceived health benefits, the fast is meant to humble oneself, provide spirituality, exercise self-discipline and avoid bad behavior.
HA/IINA
