Ramadan What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and lasts around 29-30 days, depending on when the crescent moon is visible. During the holy month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world endure a period of daily fasting from sunrise to sunset – the biggest act of religious observance of its kind and one of the five pillars of Islam. By refraining from life’s pleasures – eating, drinking and sexual relations, Ramadan is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth in which one becomes more conscious of God. However, the idea of Ramadan goes
beyond staying away from food and drink, it is a period of reflection, devotion, generosity, and sacrifice. Through hunger and thirst, one can experience what it is like for those less fortunate than us and become more thankful and grateful to God. It is also a time of selfdiscipline and sacrifice as deliberately abstaining from enjoyable things teaches us patience, once again increasing our humility and thankfulness. During this special month, many Muslims will also refrain from any wrongdoing that may invalidate their fast for example, violence, anger, envy, greed, and lust. Instead, they will increase charity giving, prayer and sharing food with friends, family, and neighbours.