What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a period of fasting for muslims all around the world. Time for reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed. Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning. The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan. It's believed that in this month that the Qu'ran was revealed to the prophet Mohammad. The fast is done during daylight hours for 30 days. Of course, those who are ill or small children do not fast. Ramadan is basically the spiritual cleansing of the soul through self restraint. Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat everyday. Muslims fill day and night with prayer, reading Qur'an just to get closer to Allah and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Allah. May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins and guide us all to the Straight Path in everyday of our life. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan and throughout the year, with forgiveness, mercy, and peace.