The Spirit of Ramadan
The Meaning of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan to Muslims is similar to what Lent is to Christians and Yom Kippur to Jews. It is also believed to be the month Allah revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran.
When is Ramadan?
Islam uses a lunar calendar which is shorter than the solar calender, therefore Islamic holidays fall on different dates each year.
Who fasts in Ramadan?
As with other duties, all able Muslims are required to observe Ramadan from the age of twelve. There are a groups who are exempted such as children before the onset of puberty, soldiers on the battlefield, travelers, weak, elderly and sick people and menstruating, pregnant or lactating women.
Fast of Ramadan
During Ramadan, eating, smoking, drinking and sexual relationships are prohibited during the daylight hours. Muslims are also expected to refrain from indulging in violence, anger, envy, greed, lust and backbiting which is intended to teach believers patience and practice self-control to cleanse the body and mind.
Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)
Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr, which in 2005 occurs on November 3rd. It is celebration time for Muslim families and friends to dress in their best and decorate their homes and exchange gifts with each other. It is a time to rejoice with the sense of accomplishment for coming closer to Allah.
The Spirit of Ramadan
Many mosques will sponsor iftar meals after sunset for the community to come and end their day's fasting as a whole. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan where Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
Food of Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims in many parts of the world prepare certain favourite foods. Since Ramadan emphasises community aspects and since everyone eats dinner at the same time, Muslims often invite one another to share in the Ramadan evening meal. As it is often tedious to prepare a meal from scratch, let WORLDFOODS celebrate this coming Ramadan with you with our delicious recipes. It’s so convenient to whip up a complete meal using our WORLDFOODS products quickly and easily.
