Ramadan, the 9th month in Islamic Calendar, holds a
special place in lives of Muslims. It is a month of rigorous training- to
practice self-control, physically as well as in spirit; to crystallize
one's ideals and devise strategies to achieve them. It is like an overhaul
or a white wash. It serves to make sure that individuals keep on working
and improving efficiently.
Muslim fast for the whole month of Ramadan. They
keep their fast at the break of dawn and then break it at sunset. No food
or drink is allowed in the interim period. It is also forbidden to indulge
in any sexual activity while fasting. However, fasting is not just the
name of these physical restrictions. These restrictions just provide a
conducive environment for working towards the bigger goal- spiritual
cleansing. While fasting, one should not indulge in any immoral activity.
Falsehood, backbiting, hypocrisy, loose talk, profane language/thoughts
are some examples of the acts that one should particularly watch out for.
The graduates of this H-level course whose units can
be adjusted based upon the extent of participation, have rehearsed these
skills over and over again and are ready to apply them over the rest of
the year. To acknowledge their achievement, Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the two
main holy occasions in Islam falls the next day Ramadan ends.
To further aide your search for knowledge about
Ramadan, we strongly recommend you check the following links:
(they open new windows)
THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING
-family ties; behavior modification;
social outlook; patience; health care; etc.
AVOIDANCE OF THE THINGS THAT CONTRADICT THE
SPIRIT OF FASTING
THE COMPREHENSIVE RAMADAN GUIDE -from the
Islamic Society of the University of Essex, and MSA Houston
THE GUIDE TO PROPER PRAYER
(SALAH) -focusing on how to properly perform your prayers