to all non-muslims, you may be wondering what ramadan is all about. here is some basic understanding on what it really means to us, which I copied courtesy of eHow.com:
Ramadan is the holiest of the four holy months in the Islamic lunar calendar. Once the sighting of the new moon is authenticated from a reliable source, several customs and stringent practices begin as part of the deep rooted Ramadan tradition. At the commencement of Ramadan, Muslims wish each other saying, "Ramadan Mubarak" which means "Blessed Ramadan."
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Ramadan WishesAs instructed in the holy Quran, fasting during this holy month is one of the most significant observances. It is mandatory for all physically mature and healthy Muslims, to abstain from all kinds of foods, beverages, intoxicating substances or any kind of sexual intimacy from dawn to sunset. It is the expression of sincere and personal worship through which Muslims seek divine blessings and achieve a higher plane of spiritual consciousness. That is why the spiritual approach of the fast orders to refrain from greed, slander, false oath or even gossip. Undesirable sights or sounds are to be avoided, during this sacred month. Piety of heart and mind is needed to be achieved through the practice of fasting as it redirects the heart from trivial, mundane pursuits, towards almighty Allah. Spiritual introspection, prayer, doing good deeds for humanity and spending time with friends, family and acquaintances is the spirit of Ramadan.Step3
Happy Ramadan WishesOne of the long standing traditions of Ramadan is to consume one light meal just before the sun rises, which is known as Suhoor. It is considered a blessed meal. Though it is not mandatory for the Muslims to eat suhoor but it is highly recommended and the intention of continuing the fast all night long without eating suhoor is strongly discouraged. The tradition to take Suhoor, underlines the inherent intention of the fast, which is to show your obedience to Allah and not to show your physical strength. Hence taking suhoor provides the energy necessary to endure the day long fasting.Step4
A similar tradition, to have a light meal just after the sun sets is called Iftar. Nowadays the radio or television announce the exact time of Iftar. But the old tradition was to listen to the call from the mosque’s minarets to know when Iftar begins. It is usually customary to have dates along with water as Prophet Mohammad also broke his fast eating the same. Some believers also have a light soup made of wheat boiled in meat broth.Step5
Ramadan is an occasion to spend time with friends, family and well wishers. The breaking of the fast is followed by friends and families greeting each other Ramadan Mubarak and sharing an evening meal, consisting of meat, rice and vegetables.Step6
Another aspect of this holy occasion of Ramadan is that the last odd numbered nights of the month is considered the “Laylat ul-Qadr”, which in English means, “Night of The Power” or “Night of The Destiny”. It is the most sacred night of the holiest month as it is believed that on this very day angel Gabriel began to disclose the Quran to the Prophet Mohammad. But the exact date is not known to anyone. Nevertheless, praying and seeking religious blessings on this night is considered thousand times powerful than any other night.Step7
During the entire moth of Ramadan, Muslims are recommended to read the entire Quran. For the convenience of reading the Quran within the thirty days of Ramadan, the 114 chapters of it have been divided in to thirty equal parts.An important and ancient tradition of Ramadan is charity. After the Ramadan ends Muslims donate a calculated amount, which is enough to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This custom is known as Fitra and it reminds the suffering of the poor, hungry and impoverished. This is also the occasion to pay Zakhat, or the annual alms which is the 2.5% of the entire assets. Zakat is donated to the poor and needy people of the locality as well.
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