🕌🌅🌙🤲 HAPPY RAMADAN 🤲🌙🌅🕌

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, reflection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. This year, Ramadan begins at sunset on Saturday, April 2nd, and ends on the evening of Monday, May 2nd. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. The Quran states: “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam and those observing Ramadan do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. The first pre-dawn meal of the day during Ramadan is called “suhoor.” Each day’s fast is broken with a meal known as “iftar.” Traditionally, a date is eaten to break the fast. Iftars are often elaborate feasts celebrated with family and friends. The types of foods served vary according to culture. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. Ramadan is also a time of self-restraint and self-reflection, with fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and feel empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. Many Muslims also read the Quran, say special prayers and attend mosques more frequently during this time. Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar falls short of the solar calendar by 11 days. As a result, Ramadan doesn’t start on the same date each year and instead, over time, passes through all the seasons. For those observing Ramadan, may Allah give you all the happiness and success.