Muslims to Pray & Fast through the month of Ramadan

Muslims across the world eagerly look out for the crescent moon in the sky, which indicates the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The Islamic month of fasting will see religious Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, doing without a grain of food or a drop of water for 30 days through Sept. 30. It is for the devotees to learn the values of patience and humility.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is considered an obligatory duty of Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Others include declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Those who fast (sawm) during the month of Ramadan, wake up before dawn to eat the Suhoor meal (the pre dawn meal) and perform their prayer. The fast is broken only when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due.

Ramadan holds great significance in the Islamic religion as it is believed that the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this month in the 7th century.

Besides giving up food and drink and sparing a thought for the less fortunate, Muslims dedicate more time reciting the Quran and focusing on their faith and self-accountability. One is also not supposed to indulge in sexual activities during fasting hours. Purity of both thought and action is important.

It is believed that fasting during the holy month will bring the followers closer to the Lord and wash off their past sins. People try to refrain from every day evils and to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

Countries with large Muslim populations make changes during the month of Ramadan to adjust the people who practice fasting. School schedules are modified and markets shut early in the evening to enable people to perform prayers.

Ramadan comes to an end with Eid ul-Fitr, which is celebrated with grand feasts.

Fasting however, does not end with Ramadan. In the following month, called Shawwal, Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days. And it is said that those who fast in the month of Ramadan and six days during Shawwal will be rewarded as though they fasted the entire year.