Ramadan is one of the most important events in the Muslim world. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic year (on the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls between the months of March and April,) and follows the lunar calendar, meaning that it starts on the night of the crescent moon.
How to Observe Ramadan
For the Islamic world, Ramadan is not a celebration, but a time of spiritual and religious contemplation. Praying, taking selfless actions like donating to charities, for example, and abstaining from sinful actions are ways to show their commitment to their faith.
They also take part in the daily fasting, which is mandatory for all save for a few exceptions (the ill, pregnant women, the elderly, etc.) The community usually comes together to observe a pre-dawn breakfast (suhoor), a meal frequently in buffet style full of traditional dishes, which occurs very early in the morning, right before the first prayer of the day, fajr.
After a day of fasting, in which they are only allowed to drink water or eat dates. The evening meal, called iftar, starts once Maghreb, the sunset prayer, has concluded. There are a total of five prayers during the day, and Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran during this month.
Those who want to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan can decorate their houses too if they wish to. The symbol most commonly associated with Islam is the crescent moon and the star, so together with lights and lanterns, these can be used to represent this event in their homes and celebrate their religion and faith.
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