Ramadan

= Farah Fakih __Ramadan__  =

= = = Fasting = = Muslims put alot of effort into fasting in the holy month Ramadan it it a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put alot of effort into following the teachings of Islam and to bad sights. For example Sexual intercourse is allowed only after you have ended your fast, while during fasting it is not allowed because God does not require you to stop eating and drinking during the day, you are required to resist all temptation while you are fasting. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. This will encourage the actions of generosity and charity.Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty as long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The eldery the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are excused from fasting. Also pregnant woman are excused from fasting. They belive it would be harmful to them and the unborn baby. Lastly, people that travel are excused but must make up the days they miss after the month is over but before next years ramadan starts. =

=Reading the Qur'an = ==In addition to fasting, Muslims have to read the whole entire Qur'an before Ramadan ends. The Qur'an is the Holy book of Muslims, The sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina are contained throughout this book. During Ramadan muslims read 1/30th of the Qur'an everyday so by the end of the month the have finsished the whole thing. Also it is significant that they read the whole qur'an through out the holy month of Ramadan becasue that ** was when the Qur'an was sent down from Allah,to all his belivers to quide them through life.The qur'an is basically a bible to all muslims and they belive that it contains life teachings and morals through out the whole entire book. ** ==

**Praying** In ramadan Muslims are required to pray like everyday in their lifes. If some Muslims do not pray on a daily basis they are required to pray in the Holy month of Ramadan because if they dont there fasting days will not count. Muslims pray 5 times a day. Praying is one of the 5 pillars of Islam so it is basically required for all muslims especially in Ramadan. Before prayer Muslims have to do a holy wash "wudoo". This is also required because before praying you need to be very clean. During Ramdan muslims preform special evening prayers are that are conducted during which long portions of the Qur'an are recited. These special prayers are known as taraweeh. Taraweeh is and arabic word. It means to rest and relax. The prayer can be very long (over an hour). During this prayer the reciter reads from the Qur'an and preforms many cycles of the Qur'an. After each four cycles, the reciter sits to rest before continuing. It is recommended that Muslims attend the taraweeh prayers in the mosque after, the last evening prayer, to pray in congregation. This applys to both men and women. However, they may also perform the prayers individually at home. These prayers are strongly recommended especailly in Ramadan.

**Iftar** = =

After the whole day of muslims resisting food from dawn to sunset, the family gathers at the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar. The meal starts with the ritual eating of a date, Muslims break their fast with a date just as Prophet Muhammad was believed to have done. Then it's time for a prayer to thank God. After the prayer Muslims eat the meal. In many homes, this is a simple meal of fruits and vegetables and other traditional Middle Eastern foods.But it is usually always a big special meal. Over time, Iftar has sometimes became banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time. Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal to go break their fast or pray and thank god, but then re-open and stay open for the night.

**Charity** Charity is very important in Islam, especailly in Ramdan. Ramadan is all about giving to the poor and getting back from Allah. Muslims feel that all all other muslims in their community are brothers and sisters and they help eachother out through everything. Muslims belive if you give charity you will have applied a good deed. The arabic word for Chairty is "zakkat". In ramadan poor people need help to break their fast because they might not have enough money to buy food. This is why it is important for the wealthy muslims to give to there community and help others. Muslims have big hearts and feel for the needy and poor so they help them and give to charity.

**Table Of Contents** : 1.Fasting 2.Qur'an 3.Prayer 4.Iftar 5.Charity

" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGlHcf0ulx8"

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= Links: =

http://www.islam101.com/ramadan/

http://islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/351-ramadan2

http://www.worldcorrespondents.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/quran.jpg

http://www.beliefs-in-islam.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/islam-prayer.jpg

http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/practices/salat-prayer.htm

http://islam.about.com/cs/ramadan/a/taraweeh.htm

http://muslimvoices.org/ramadan-charity-zakat/

http://www.defendtheprophet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/zakah.jpg

http://angelanilsson.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/i-dates-medjool.jpg