Ramadan to commence this week

Ramadan to commence this week

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, August 10: This week, Muslims all over the world will begin observing Ramadan, a holy month set aside for fasting and prayer because this was the time Prophet Mohammed received divine revelations. 

During the month of Ramadan, which begins this week, members of the Muslim community abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities during daytime; and in the evening, they eat small meals and visit family members and friends. This is the time to perform pious acts, give to charity, worship, contemplate, and strengthen family and community bonds. 

Islam has five major pillars—observing Ramadan, profession of faith, praying five times per day, giving alms, and going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The beginning of Ramadan varies from country to country because it is calculated as per the appearance of the crescent moon or by making certain astronomical calculations. Ramdan is expected to commence either on Aug 10 or 11. 

All adult Muslims are expected to fast and observe Ramadan; however, small children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers need to observe the fast. The day’s fast is broken at sunset with a meal of dates and goat’s milk. Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a time to feast and exchange gifts. 

During Ramadan, faithful Muslims visit Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The holiest day is the twenty-seventh day, when God revealed the Quran to Prophet Mohammed in 610 A.D.