ramadan36

=__Ramadan__ = toc The holiday takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In the Qur'an, it is written that: “Prayer carries us half way to God, fasting brings us to the door of His palace, and alms-giving procures us admission.” [|An informational video about Ramadan]

__Origin__
Ramadan is named after the month in which it is celebrated, Ramadan,which means "intense heat, scorched ground, and shortness of rations" in Arabic. The goal of observing Ramadan is to clean up ones life, grow a stronger, more personal bond with family and friends, and forgive those who have wronged you. According to Islamic tradition, Ramadan is when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, to the prophet Muhammad. In honor of this revelation, one thirtieth of the Qur'an is read each night of Ramadan during the evening prayer. By the end of the month, the whole Qur'an has been recited.considered world's longest and largest spiritual festival.

**__Food__**
The most observant Muslims, 12 years and older, are required to fast (sawm) from sunset to sundown. Every morning Muslims wake up before dawn to eat the Suhoor meal (pre-dawn meal) and preform their fajr prayer. They break the fast with food and prayer after sundown. //There's hidden sweetness in the stomach's emptiness.// //We are lutes, no more, no less.// //If the sound box is stuffed full of anything, no music.// //If the brain and belly are burning clean with fasting,// //every moment a new song comes out of the fire.// //--- Jalaluddin Rumi on fasting in Ramadan.//

__Prayer/Belief__
Ramadan is a time to purify the soul, refocuse attention on Allah (God), persue self control, and give charity. The arabic word for fasting literaly translates to "refrain" - Muslims obstain not only from eating and drinking but also from idle talk and gossip and ears refrain from listening to vulgur talk. Muslims should be able to engage their entire body in physical observance of the Ramadan fast. During Ramadan it is important to remember to give charity. Muslims are encouraged to spend hours at the Mosque studying the Qur'an and praying. They also must recite the Taraweeh prayer, which is a special night prayer. It may take them all evening to finish praying.

__Eid al-Fitr__
Eid al-Fitr translates to "Festival of Breaking the Fast" and is a joyous festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is considered a true Thanksgiving for the men and woman believe. On this day Muslims honor Allah and thank him for health, strength, and opportunity of life. Families celebrate with feasts and everyone dresses in their nicest clothes. Muslims are encouraged to increase efforts to give charity and make contributions to their mosques. Gifts are exchanged, friends and family come together to pray, and some towns even hold festivals in honor of the joyous night.

Bibliography


 * http://ramadankareem.info/
 * http://www.allahsword.com/ramadan_origin_and_fasting.html
 * http://www.islamicity.com/ramadan/