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Ramadan is a very special month for the Muslims, as in it Muslims around the world perform various types of worship, the most important of them being fasting. This fasting of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory upon all adolescents and adults who have the ability. Ramadan is also the month in which the first revelation came to the Prophet Muhammad, and thus is called the “Month of the Quran”.
God says in the Quran:
“Fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you in order that you become of the God-conscious.” (Quran 2:183)
During Ramadan, Muslims try to adhere to three types of worship - three of the five pillars of the Islamic faith.
The first is Sawm, ie fasting. Throughout the month, most Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset.
The second is Zakat, which is charity - they are encouraged to give 2.5% of their annual income during Ramadan.
The third is salat, which is to pray. Muslims are encouraged to pray five times a day. Traditionally, many also attend additional communal prayers, called Taraweeh, which take place every evening.
Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan. This is a time of spiritual concentration and deep contemplation.
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