By Spy Uganda
Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. It serves as a reminder of the month when the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed “Peace Be Upon Him”.
During this month, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This is called fasting. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, at around the age of 14. In addition, if someone is sick or travelling a long distance, it is not necessary to fast, but they have to make up for this lost fasting on other days after Ramadan.
So When Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, and the day changes every year due to the Islamic calendar being based on the cycles of the moon.
Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Fasting teaches Muslims to be patient and think of the suffering of the poor around the world, and devote themselves to their faith.
During this period, Muslims have 2 meals: the first one is called “Iftar” and they eat it as soon as the sun starts to set, and the second meal is called “Suhoor”, which we eat just before sunrise.
During Ramadan, Muslims give up all bad habits. Observing Ramadan is a way to be nearer to their Lord by praying, doing good deeds, being with family and friends and helping people in need.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims try out their best to read the whole Qur’an, and men attend all the prayers at the mosque. After Ramadan, they celebrate the achievement in a big celebration called Eid ul-Fitr “this is a festival of the breaking of the fast and thanking Allah for the strength that he gave them to fast during the previous month”.
During this great celebration, they wear new clothes, share gifts, visit families, neighbours and friends, give money to charities and eat sweet and special cuisine.
