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 may suffice. A pre dawn meal is common and considered to be a highly meritorious place. As one of the five pillars, or duties of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adults Muslim except those who are ill, pregnant, or nursing, menstruating or traveling and for young children and the elderly.
      Muslims believe that in AD. 610, the angle Gabriel appeared to Prophet Mohammed and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book. That revelation Laylat AI Qadar or the Night of power is believed to have occurred during Ramadan. Muslim fast during that as way to commemorates the revelation of the Quran. At this time, the Prophet Mohammed and his followers lived in Medina after they faced fierce prosecution in Mecca when they tried to spread the words of Allah. At this time, the weather was particularly hot, and this influenced the name of Ramadan when it was first revealed. 
    The surviving muslims migrated to the city of Medina in 622 AD over 300km away. Two years later the verse about fasting in Ramadan were revealed, with prophet Mohammed establishing the holy month practices in the sanctuary of their new home. Although Muslims were first commanded to fast in second year of Hijra( 624CE), they believe that the practice of fasting is not in fact an innovation o monotheism but rather has always been necessary for believers to attain Taqwa( the fear of God).
      Therefore, while fasting spiritually cleanses the soul, fasting also physically cleanses the body from toxins. Fasting also reduces stress, prevents long illnesses like cancer, improve mood and increases alertness as well as having other benefits.

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