Ramadan 2018: All you need to know
When is Ramadan 2018?
What happens during Ramadan?
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, chronically ill or menstruating.The fast is from dawn to sunset, with a pre-dawn meal known as suhur and sunset meal called iftar.Muslims engage in increased prayer and charity during Ramadan.Ramadan is also a month where Muslims try to practice increased self-discipline.As well as fasting – abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours – Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Koran throughout the month, before the holy festival of Eid al-Fitr.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Ramadan is seen as a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and this includes fasting – which teaches people how to be more self-disciplined and have empathy for those less fortunate.The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the iftar.