Ramadan is the most celebrated of all Islamic months. It is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims throughout the world fast during Ramadan. After the month is over, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid. During Ramadan special prayers are offered in night which is called Taraweeh in the mosques.
The Islamic Calendar is a lunar calendar. It is based on Pre-Islamic Arabic calendar. The name of the month are as follows: Muharram is the first month, Safar, Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rabi-us-Sani, Jamadi-ul-Awwal, Jamadi-us-Sani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zul-qa'da, Zul-Hajj. Ramadan is the last ninth month in the Islamic calendar. In pre-Islamic Arabia, not people but the people would keep their horses without food for some days. This would happen in the summer months of the year. Thus the horses would fast during these days.
When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) propagated the teaching of Islam. The fasts were made compulsory for the Muslims. The order of keeping fasts is mentioned in the second chapter of the Holy Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah. The Jews and Christians also fast during some days. Similarly, the concept of fasting is found in almost all religions of the world. That is why the verse of the Surah Al-Baqarah says, 'The fast has been made circumpolar on you as they were made circumpolar on the people before you.'
During this month, the Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset. The fast begins from pre-dawn and then throughout the day Muslims avoid drinking, eating and sexual relation. As the sun sets, the call of prayers is given which is indication of breaking the fast. The Muslims prepare special meals for the break-fast. Different food items specially prepared for Ramadan are served in break-fast. The whole atmosphere is full of happiness and blessings.
During night special prayers are offered in the mosques which is called Taraweeh. Besides this, Muslims recite the Holy Quran more often than usual. Charity is given as the reward for each act of charity is increased in the month of Ramadan. Visit Here for More Information on Subject.
