Ramadan -- the Holy Month of Fast and Prayer
by Minoli de Soysa

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is believed that during Ramadan, the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation."

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning. According to the Holy Quran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night."

Five things can destroy the good that is acquired through the fast:

The telling of a lie

Slander

Denouncing someone behind his back

A false oath

Greed or covetousness

These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the mosque and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2 to 3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

When the fast ends, it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

We asked some UNWA how Ramadan is observed in their countries.

Bintou Sangyang from The Gambia says, "In my country, Ramadan is an occasion for everyone, both Moslems and Christians, to celebrate together. The Christians also abide by certain rules like wearing long clothing. We pray for forgiveness and this helps to bring enemies together. We break fast by having bread, tea and curry, as well as maize porridge and rice with meat or fish. At the end of Ramadan, everyone is happy. There is a lot of food and many parties to go to. We buy new clothes and shoes, especially for the children."

Anowara Ahmed from Bangladesh says, "Our special Ramadan food is pakoras with onions and fried chickpeas. Before dawn, the whole family gathers together to have the first meal. For Eid, we make vermicelli with milk. Everyone gets new clothes and children are given money from their elders."

Tazeen Rehman from Pakistan says, "When it is time to break fast, we are woken up by men who go on the streets beating drums. We break fast with dates, which is what the Prophet also ate. Small stalls spring up everywhere selling special deserts that are made only during Ramadan. During Ramadan, we give the daily rice or wheat consumption of the family to the poor. We also give 2-1/2 percent of our savings and 2-1/2 percent of the value of our jewellery to the poor."