We are now in ninth month of the Islamic calendar called Ramadan. I received a text around 7.40pm last night saying Ramadan had been announced meaning that someone had sited the moon in Saudia Arabia.
The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals - Iftah is the word used which means breaking of the fast, most night and day is engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qu'ran.

This is my first Ramadan as a Muslim and it is a very exciting time :-) Extra prayers are also required after the evening prayer called Taraweeh prayers and it is usually 8 or 20 rukats performed.

Major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.


The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

•Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

•Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.

•Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

•Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

•Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.

•Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.
 
May Allah accept my fasting, forgive my sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.