Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this
month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking,
smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or
excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate
the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to
cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice
selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God
and to put forward more prayer than is customary.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam
religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from
everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are
considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as
amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. Ramadan is also called Ramazan.
During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray
for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and
endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of
faith.
