What is Ramadan?
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Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars are:
- Faith - Faith entails believing we should only worship the Creator of the Universe and not worship human beings, animals, statues, our desires, or anything else. Faith also entails belief that our Creator sent guidance of right and wrong via messengers such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the Final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad. His message served to purify the guidance of the previous messengers from alterations made by mankind over the centuries. His message also provided a comprehensive set of divine laws for humankind, applicable to all situations for all times to come
- Prayer - Establishing prayer five times a day, serving as a reminder through out the day of our purpose in life: to worship our Creator.
- Zakat - Mandatory charity given once a year by those who have the means. Voluntary charity is also heavily emphasized in Islam.
- Fasting - Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan, thereby developing characteristics of patience, self-restraint, and God consciousness.
- Hajj - Pilgrimage to the city of Mecca for those who are financially and physically able. It is a spiritual quest of submission to God and purification of the heart.
Why do Muslims Fast?
Every year during the Islamic the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast daily, from dawn until dusk. Fasting entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. By withholding ourselves from some of our most basic and carnal needs and desires, Muslims develop self-restraint: the ability to stop ourselves from doing something we deeply desire, simply out of obedience to our Creator. This month-long training helps us develop the strength to live a life of purity and obedience to God despite the temptation to sin.
Those who are sick, elderly, traveling, or women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break their fast and make up the missed days at a later time. If they are unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children are required to begin fasting from the age of puberty.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self purification. For example, by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, a fasting person gains greater sympathy with those who go hungry, thereby becoming a more compassionate and generous person.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. The entire community comes together for special prayers and to congratulate each other. The rest of the day is typically spent visiting friends and family, enjoying time together.
A child prepares food for the breaking of the fast in Pakistan.Source: whatiseid.com
