![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1376088159\/photo\/close-up-of-black-muslim-woman-praying-with-her-family-at-dining-table.jpg?b=1&s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=wtCs0XqoNUVrL6C9Koj9ejl45yGPQG6vopT5X6Y2H_w=\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The other four pillars include the declaration of faith, prayer, giving to charity, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Ramadan Begins at the Sight of the Crescent Moon<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1374535930\/photo\/ramadan-eid-ai-fitr-new-year-muharram-islamic.jpg?b=1&s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=lAvrqhvbjwZTwNq2-Ur7a1FS8ollsj3bmxkTjMvQhRk=\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. It marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar month. The exact start date can vary from country to country, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.<\/p>\n
<\/span>It\u2019s a Time for Spiritual Reflection, Prayer and Charity<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1353920639\/photo\/giving-zakat.jpg?b=1&s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=7oaAAAI5hbeEGzUOTrbFxQ4wGpKkxle0so6Wi7Tu-Zw=\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on their spirituality and focus on their relationship with Allah. Muslims are encouraged to pray more during Ramadan and to give to charity. It is believed that apart from exchanging Ramadan gifts, the acts of charity during Ramadan are highly rewarding.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Taraweeh Prayers are Performed During Ramadan<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/139376229\/photo\/salat-in-huge-worship-space-with-hundreds-of-people.jpg?b=1&s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=ldfM3mLKJBDXstynDXvvNVEg4DK91_X1a_B8sSBN5kE=\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
Taraweeh prayers are performed each night during Ramadan. These are additional prayers that are not mandatory, but many Muslims choose to perform them as a way of increasing their worship during Ramadan. The prayers are usually performed in congregation in the mosque.<\/p>\n
<\/span>The Term Ramadan Means \u2018Heat\u2019<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"Islamic,](\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/08\/29\/19\/48\/islamic-3640633__340.png\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
The term \u2018Ramadan\u2019 is derived from the Arabic word \u2018Ramad\u2019, which means \u2018dryness\u2019. In English, Ramadan means \u2018the hot month\u2019 or \u2018the month of scorching or burning heat.\u2019 However, because the beginning of the month of Ramadan depends upon the lunar calendar, it isn\u2019t always hot.<\/p>\n
<\/span>The Last 10 Days of Ramadan are Particularly Important<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"Book,](\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2016\/03\/27\/18\/31\/book-1283468__340.jpg\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered extremely important and Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship during this time. It is believed that the Night of Power or Laylat al-Qadr, occurs during one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims and is believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Dates are a Popular Food During Ramadan<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1367058386\/photo\/middle-eastern-traditional-breakfast-during-ramadan-fasting-date-fruit-for-dinner-or-iftar.jpg?b=1&s=170667a&w=0&k=20&c=0GMmj9Yi6-fCn2pr6t9TE32gy0xb2dZ7kItzkT7saUQ=\")
Source: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
Dates are a traditional food that is often eaten during Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast each evening. These sweet delights are a good source of energy and are believed to have been a favourite food of the Prophet Muhammad. Dates and Eid chocolate platter also make up for a thoughtful Eid gift.<\/p>\n