Description

Ramadan (Arabic:; رمضان) or Ramadhan istheninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in whichtheQuran was revealed.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five PillarsofIslam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during thedaylighthours from dawn to sunset. The Quran was sent down to thelowestheaven during this month, thus being prepared forgradualrevelation by Jibreel (Gabriel) to the Islamic prophetMuhammad.Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates ofHeavenwould be open for the entire month and the gates of Hell(Jahannam)would be closed. The first day of the next month,Shawwal, is spentin celebration and is observed as the "Festival ofBreaking Fast"or Eid al-Fitr .

Eid al-Fitr, often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holidaythatmarks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.Eid isan Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "tobreakfast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of thefastingperiod.

More than 1 billion Muslims worldwide celebrateRamadan,including more than 6 million in the United States. ThelargestMuslim population in the world are with Pakistan,Indonesia,Bangladesh, India, Turkey, UK etc.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. TheQuransays that the main reason behind fasting is to attain taqwa,orGod-consciousness. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslimsarereminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is alsoanopportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the bodyandmind.

In the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed duringthedaylight hours during Ramadan. Families get up early for suhoor,ameal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fastisbroken with a meal known as iftar which usually includesdates,fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner.