Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year for Muslims because this is when the Muslims undergo a ritual fast. Lasting 29 to 30 days, this is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is also believed to be very auspicious.

1. Ramadan - Share the
Spirit of Charity and
Fellowship with the
people around you

2. Ramadan is one of the most important
times of the year for Muslims because
this is when the Muslims undergo a ritual
fast. Lasting 29 to 30 days, this is the
ninth month of the Islamic calendar and
it is also believed to be very auspicious.
Muslims mark this month, which was
when the first verses of the Holy Quran
were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH), by living in a state of self-
control.

3. Muslims refrain from all food, drinks and
sexual activity from dawn to sunset for
the duration of this month and to do a lot
more prayers than normal. As a Muslim,
you will practice spirituality and tolerance
when you fast during this month. This is
also a period that reminds you to
practice generosity towards people who
are less fortunate than you. Ramadan is
the month of sacrifice, understanding,
brotherhood and the best time to convey
your love to all who are in need.

4. “Oh you who believe, fasting is
prescribed for you as it was
prescribed for those who came
before you that you may keep your
duty to your Lord (having taqwa),”
2:185

5. According to the Holy Quran, children
and the infirm and aged are not required
to fast during the month of Ramadan,
but lots of older kids start off on it
because it gives them good practice for
handling the responsibilities of adulthood.

6. Children who reached puberty are
considered to be eligible to take up the
fast and it has been made compulsory. In
that case, it is highly advised by the
experts to start practicing this pious
method in children from their young age
itself.

7. This moulds them well to start off when
they are ready for it. You can start your
kids off on the fast if you feel that they
are physically strong and mentally
mature enough to handle it.
Offering gifts and keeping up the
promises with children are great ways to
encourage them to begin with their
ibadat with ease.

8. This long fast is one of the best ways for
your entire family to practice self-
discipline and appreciate the blessings
that have been bestowed upon you all. It
gives you immense power to face any
terrible situation inculcating good habits
and deeds especially patience and
courage to overcome the hard times.
Each and every good deed is rewarded
greatly by the Almighty during this
month and so it is wise to receive the
maximum during this period of time.

9. The breaking of the daily fast is usually
done in a spirit of togetherness. This is a
great time for families and friends to get
together.
The traditional way to break the
Ramadan fast is with dates and water
after which it is time to do the fourth of
the five daily prayers. This prayer, known
as Maghreb, is then followed by the main
meal of the day, Iftar.

10. “The month of Ramadan in which was
revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for
mankind, and clear proofs of the
guidance, and the Criterion (of right and
wrong). And whosoever of you is
present, let him fast the month, and
whosoever of you is sick or on a journey,
(let him fast the same) number of other
days.

11. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth
not hardship for you; and (He desireth)
that ye should complete the period, and
that ye should magnify Allah for having
guided you, and that peradventure ye
may be thankful.” ~Quran, 2:185

12. The best time to dua is while you are
about to break the fast once the Adhan is
heard. Allah showers his greatest
blessings during this time so it is the
right time to pray with purest of
intentions as you have refrained yourself
for the sake of Allah to attain higher
spiritual level.
Iftar is a great way for you to break your
daily fast in the company of your friends
and family.

13. This is a great time to try out all sorts of
delicacies. Most Muslim communities
have their favourite foods for this special
meal.
As a matter of fact, it is becoming very
commonplace for people to throw parties
not just for the people close to them but
also with people from the neighbourhood
because this is one of the best ways of
fostering a spirit of brotherhood.

14. You can source recipes from Muslim
communities all over the world in order
to come up with a really unusual menu
for your event.
If you live in a country that has a
predominantly Muslim population, then
there are many interesting things you
could do during Ramadan.

15. Shops and restaurants reopen at night
and will stay open until the wee hours of
the morning because of the groups of
families and friends who are out on the
streets, having a great time.

16. Make it a point to include all the people
close to you when you plan Iftar the next
time you fast for Ramadan. This is a very
good way of spreading the message of
brotherhood and serves as a good
example for the younger generation to
follow.
http://www.rahehaq.net/