Ramadan is a mainly spiritual time, as a Muslim must focus on Allah at all times. They must also refrain from talking ill of others, and are encouraged to read the Qu’ran. Ramadan is perceived as a time to repent sins and become closer to god.
Only a few Muslims are exempt from Ramadan. These include people not of a sane mind, the sick, travelers, those too old and those too young to fast and pregnant women. Girls are also not allowed to fast on their period, because they are deemed as “unclean”.
Old people usually pay charity to a poor person for every day they do not fast, meaning god will bless them in a different aspect. Sexual activities during Ramadan hours are also forbidden.
During Ramadan, a Muslim is encouraged to read the whole Qur’an. The reasoning behind this is that the first verse of the Qur’an was supposedly revealed on the day Laylat al-Qadr, which occurs during the month of Ramadan. The actual date of Laylat-al-Qadr is unknown, because Allah and Muhammad are said to have kept this between themselves, as they did not only pray on that night.
Muslims are encouraged to pay Zakaat every day during the month of Ramadan. This is only applicable if the Muslim is above Nisab, however. Nisab is the amount of savings which must exceed a certain limit. If they are below Nisab, then they will receive Zakat instead of give it.
This means a Muslim will pay 2.5% of their earnings to charity, instead of on themselves.
Ramadan is divided into three parts. The first 10 days are supposed to bring blessings. The next 10 days is supposed to bring forgiveness, and the last 10 days salvation.
In Ramadan Muslims are recommended to go to the mosques more frequently, especially in the last 10 days, to further their spiritual journey throughout the period.
During the nights of Ramadan, a Muslim is supposed to worship Allah and pray for forgiveness. Allah identifies that people are likely to commit sins, so he gives them an opportunity to repent themselves. This perceives Ramadan as the month of forgiveness, and essentially new starts.
Ramadan is ended by Eid ul Fitr, a day of celebration as Allah which rewards Muslims for their fasting. It literally means “festival to break the fast”. (in Arabic Eid means “Festivity” while Fitr means “to break the fast”) On this day, the Muslim family is expected to rise early for the first prayer of the day, and eat very little to symbolize the end of Ramadan. They are then supposed to attend prayers held in mosques and other areas. These prayers are quite short and followed by a sermon. After this they go home and to friends houses, and thank god for their blessings.
Ramadan is very important to a Muslim, as it shows their dedication to their religion. It is also said that it helps them become closer to god, as they are willing to submit themselves to Sawm (fasting) for Allah.
