Muslims to start observing the Holy Month of Ramadan on Tuesday

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam.

About 1.8 billion Muslims around the world refrain from either eating, drinking, smoking, sinful speech and behavior as well as engaging in any sexual activity from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity.

Muslims also believe that for the poor people who don't have enough food they should fast so that the poor can get food to eat. This would also make them realize how poor feel when they remain hungry. The aim of fasting now seems to be being compassionate towards the poor people.

Those who are sick do not have to fast during Ramadan. This includes mental illness, physical illness, and those on medication. However, when they return to health they should begin fasting to make up for missing Ramadan.

During Ramadan, acts of charity are obligatory upon Muslims who are able to do so. Muslims are reminded to be generous and increase their charitable activities. As a result, during Ramadan, much charitable giving is done by the community.

Zakat, often translated as “the poor-rate”, is the fixed percentage of income a believer is required to give to the poor; the practice is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that good deeds are rewarded more handsomely during Ramadan than at any other time of the year; consequently, many Muslims donate a larger portion—or even all—of their yearly zakat during this month.

 

Muslims perform Tarawih prayers at night after Isha Salah during the month of Ramadan. It may involve reading one Juz', i.e. a section of the Quran 1/30 its length, which generally takes somewhere between 20–60 minutes, and usually is 8, 10 or 12 raka'at, lasting well over an hour in total.

Over the thirty days of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, which comprises thirty juz' (sections). Some Muslims incorporate a recitation of one juz' into each of the thirty tarawih sessions observed during the month. (ILKHA)