Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ramadan - 22nd August 2009

In Arabic: ن‎ رمضا‎ (also written Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, Ramdan, Ramadaan) is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

In the western calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, sexual conduct, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from dawn until sunset.

Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramaḍan is a time to fast for the sake of Allah, and to offer more prayer than usual. Muslims also believe through good actions, they get rewarded twice as much as they normally can achieve.
During Ramaḍan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

(source: wikipedia)

I wish you all Ramadan Kareem!