What is Ramadan

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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
Answer: During the blessed month of Ramadan,
 Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical
 needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus 
attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than
 just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in 
light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have 
wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad 
habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our 
feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)
 literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from 
food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue 
must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain 
themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or 
take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from 
listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from 
going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes 
the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total 
commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. 
Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body
 and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

Edited by mary.. - 19-Jul-2012 at 15:00