The Meaning of Ramadan
This year, Ramadan begins today and ends August 29, and we thought we’d give you a breakdown of what goes down!
Ramadan, celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for spiritual purification, reflection, and devotion. Muslims exchange joyous greetings during the holiday in order to congratulate each other for their participation. The month is marked by religious fasting which lasts from sunrise to sunset every day and reinforces the necessity of self-control as well as encouraging clarity of thought and prayer, free from physical distractions. Although fasting involves abstaining from food for a large portion of the day, it is not dangerous if done properly.
The fast is broken at sunset each night, and special Ramadan foods are often prepared at this time. Ramadan ends with Eid Al-Fitr, a 3-day long celebration centered around prayer, community, and giving.
Kul ’am wa enta bi-khair!
