“this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity”
25 July 2012 - Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is considered excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting during Ramadan is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience.
“one of the highest forms of Islamic worship”
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual awareness. Fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously.
“spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an”
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night, which is also called the “Night of Power". It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammed received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity, and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.
Photo: Hamed Saber
After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-al-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.
This year Ramadan began on July 21st and will end with the celebration "Fitr" on August 19th.
In some areas of the world, Ramadan begins on July 20th and in others, such as Iran, on July 21st. The reason for this is due to "extended visibility". "Extended visibility" refers to the earliest visibility of the crescent moon. In Iran's case, the earliest crescent does not occur until the next day; thus Ramadan begins on July 21st, whereas in the United States, it begins on July 20th.
Ramadan Prayer Calendar
Pray Iran Now has launched a prayer calendar, denoting each day of the month of Ramadan. Join the global prayer movement during this crucial time.
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