The Fast of Ramadan

The Fast of Ramadan

Muslims wake up before sunrise about two hours earlier and have some

food. There is no limit on how much you can eat, but it is better not

to eat too much because you wont be able to feel the hunger and thirst

of the poor Muslims that are in need.

During the 30 days of Ramadan, between sunrise and sunset, Muslims are

forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual

relations during the hours of daylight. This is a sacred time for

worship and concentration on the Islamic faith, rather than everyday

activities. But some people don't have to fast like sick people,

elderly people, on a journey, pregnant women and children who have not

started puberty are permitted to break their fast and make up an equal

number of days later in the year.

Muslims visit the Mosque every day during Ramadan, to pray together

and study the Qur'an. As well as the five daily prayers that are said

throughout the year, a special prayer called the Taraweeh or 'Night

Prayer' which you pray 11 times. This is prayed during Ramadan. When

the sun goes down at the end of the day the fast is open with a few

dates then they pray together and then have a big meal with their

family and friends called the iftar. After dinner, people usually go

out visiting friends and family who live nearby and usually go to the

cemetery to visit their dead relatives and pray for them.

During Ramadan, it's particularly abhorrent for Muslims to tell lies,

insult others, criticize someone behind their back, bear false witness

or crave someone else' possessions. Though these things are considered

offensive at all other times of the year, they are thought to undo all

the good gained by fasting. But people should be kind to one another

and to be helpful, polite and to treat animals well.

On the night of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate

Laylat-al-Qadr or 'Night of Power'. It is said that the Qur'an was