RAMADAN: A MONTH OF FASTING, PRAYER AND COMMUNITY.
As the sun sets and the golden hues paints the sky, a serene calmness descends upon the bustling streets. The aroma of delicious delicacies fills the air. Ramadan, a sacred time of fasting, prayer and reflection has began bringing with it a sense of unity and devotion for muslims around the world. Monday, March 11, marked the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It will be year 1445 on the Islamic calendar. The tradition began in the seventh century and commemorates, the month when the prophet Mohammed retreated to a cave north of mecca for spiritual contemplation. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It's also known as Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan. Fasting happens during daylight hours. Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar and begins with hilal which is the Arabic word for crescent or new moon. Muslims are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside ramadan m