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Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on ajourney, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although the fast is most beneficial to the health it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.
The close of the Ramadhan is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Adha, a feast-day commemorating the end of Hajj, are the main festivals of the Muslim Calendar.
The countdown to fasting begins. The Islamic calendar is now on the Shaaban month, a month before the holy month of Ramadhan commences approximately on October 26. Bangsamoro.com Exclusives Ramadan: A Month of Reflection
By Anifa G. Alonto | Posted Nov. 11, 2003
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Muslims prepare for fasting
By Samira Ali Gutoc | Posted October 24, 2003
Muslims Prepare for Holy Month of RAMADHAN
By Samira Ali Gutoc | Oct. 2, 2003
REMINISCING RAMADHAN 2002
By Samira Ali Gutoc | Dec. 3, 2002
'tis that time of the Year
by Shamir Al-Ahmad | November 5, 2002 Ramadhan-related Links
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