Everything you need to know about Ramadan: Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. Many also pray more frequently, give more to charity and study the Quran more deeply. It is a time for families and celebrations. Despite the fact that everyone is fasting, the fun begins after sunset when special meals take place. There is a great community spirit of knowing that everyone is partaking in the same thing. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to take part every year. Children, the sick or elderly, pregnant and menstruating women are all exempt from fasting. During Ramadan, food and any liquids are not allowed. Chewing gum is also not permitted. Taking medication is not allowed, even without water. Smoking and engaging in any sexual activity is also not permitted. If you slip up during the day it spoils that whole day. To make up for this you can fast later in the year to replace the day or you can provide a meal for a homeless or needy person. During Ramadan, Muslims wake before the first call to prayer. Often a drummer will walk the streets banging his drum to wake everyone up. People then eat and drink as much as possible. This year, because the days are so long, most people will then go back to bed after the first prayer. Muslims are not allowed to eat until the evening call for prayer. The fast is often broken with a small snack. Dates are popular as is soup. A larger meal is often eaten a bit later in the night with friends and family. Muslims follow the lunar calendar for religious celebrations. So, this year
Everything you need to know about Ramadan: Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. Many also pray more frequently, give more to charity and study the Quran more deeply. It is a time for families and celebrations.
