What is Ramadan? Everything you need to know about Islam's holiest month.

Hello Steemians

Here's a look at some Questions and Answers about Islam's holiest month, which began Wednesday, 15th of May, in Turkey and Thursday, 16th of May, according to the Saudi Calender. I did a german translation about this too which you can find in my Blog.

Muslims praying together at a mosque

How do muslims mark the beginning of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the islamic Calender. The new Moon marks the beginning of the new month. With the new Moon, muslims can safely estimate when a new Month and therefore Ramadan starts. Hilal (the crescent) coincides with the astronomical new Moon.

Why do muslims fast?

Well fasting is a good exercise in self-restraint and it's seen as a way to get rid of habits such as morning coffee, smoking and midday snacks. A way to physically and spiritually detoxify.
It is inteded to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities and feed the hungry during this month more than they do during others.
Also fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

How do muslims fast?

Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan. A single sip of Water or a puff of a cigaratte is all it takes to break the fast and make the current day invalid.
Muslim scholars say it's not enough to just avoid foot and drinks during the day. Spouses must refrain from sexual intercourse during the day, and Muslims should not engage in road rage, cursing, fighting or gossiping. Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal of power food, is what muslims eat to get them through the day.

How do muslims break their fast?

1400 years ago, the Prophet Mohammed did break his fast with a sip of Water and some Dates at sunset. Muslims traditionally break their fast just like the Prophet did all those years ago. That first sip of Water is what most Muslims crave for during the day.

People eat their iftar meal as they break their fast

After a sunset prayer, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Across the Muslim world, mosques and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public to eat free iftar meals every night of Ramadan.

Can muslims be exempted from fasting?

Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant or menstruating and people traveling, which includes athletes during tournaments.
Many Muslims, particularly those who live in Europe and the U.S., are accepting and welcoming of others around them who are not observing Ramadan. They do not expect shorter work hours, as is the case across much of the Arab world during Ramadan.

Are there any Ramadan Traditions?

The start of the month is typically welcomed with greetings such as "Ramadan mubarak!".
The fanoos, a lantern, is a common sight during Ramadan in Egypt. It is often the centerpiece at an iftar table and can be seen hanging in window shops and balconies.
Increasingly common are Ramadan tents and tables at public places that offer free food and drinks not only for those who are about to break their fast but also for everyone who wants to join in.
During Ramadan there is also a big amount of new movies, comedy shows and operas that come to television and bring in millions of dollars in advertising.

Ramadan Fanoos in Egypt

How do muslims mark the end of Ramadan?

The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during "Laylat al-Qadr" or "the Night of Destiny." It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Mohammed and revealed the first versus of the Quran.
The end of Ramadan is also celebrated by a three-day holiday called "Eid al-Fitr". Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash.

Today muslims crave for their first sip of Water at 8:46pm :joy:
I hope i gave a good overview about Ramadan and what it is all about.
Kimo / Kimizius