Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. Muslims all around the world observe a fast during the daylight hours of this month.

Traditions of Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims try to give up their bad habits to become a better person. They observe fast and abstain from other physical needs to discipline themselves. The month of Ramadan is that time of the year when Muslims restrain and discipline themselves to purify their souls and focus their attention on God. It is a time for self-sacrifice and self—control.

Ramadan, Quran and Fasting

It is believed that the month of Ramadan was the time when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. As a mark of spiritual reflection and worship, Muslims observe this month as a period of self-sacrifice and self-discipline. The Arabic word for fasting (sawm) means to refrain. Muslims believe that by abstaining themselves from food, water and other desires they can improve themselves in the eyes of God.

Apart from fasting, Muslims also try to refrain themselves from evil thoughts and desires. They believe in restraining every part of their body during Ramadan. The eyes should restrain from looking at unlawful things, the tongue must refrain from gossip, and the ears must not listen to obscene words and so on. In restraining every part of their body Muslims seek to achieve complete submission to God.

Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan. The Quran can also be read by performing special prayers which are held every night in mosques during the month. During these special prayers called Tarawih, an entire section of the Quran is recited which makes it possible to complete the entire Quran by the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is thus a time period to completely purify your soul and body from worldly sins and reflect on worship and prayers for God.