Ramadan Information Document

If You are living somewhere in non muslim or multicultural society and thinking to share Iftar with your neighbours in Ramadan,This text could benefit you . This is a document I complied few years back about Ramadan when we planned to share Iftar with our non muslim neighbours ,It includes very basic and precise information about our holy month so while having a joy of our delicious food they could also know what is it all about ,We print it out ,roll and tie it with a little colourful string and place with the food .It is always a joyful ,happy and emotional experience and we always get a very pleasant response. 📷<3

-*-*-*-*-*-*HAPPY RAMADAN*-*-*-*-*-* Ramadan is the special blessed month; Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. 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, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qu'ran. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called "iftar" (meaning "breaking the fast"), and the last meal in the morning before dawn is called "suhur" (meaning "morning meal"). 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 Allah (GOD).

Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits, essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words. Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of Allah(GOD). Some activities of Ramadan are; *Sharing food with family, friends and neighbors. Islam greatly emphasizes on the rights of neighbours not only Muslims but non-muslims as well, Muslims are encouraged to not only treat their neighbors kindly, but also to exchange gifts with them. *Observance of special night prayers in the late evening or middle of the night called Tarawih, stay in the masjid (Muslim’s place for prayer) during the last ten nights of Ramadan for prayer and Quran recitation, which is called “Itikaf” meaning "seclusion" it is an optional deed, There is a special night in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan when the praying of one whole night is equivalent to pray for thousand nights. *In Muslim countries it is quite common to have feasts that last all night and run from iftar to suhur. These feasts are a time of celebration and community. There is also a special holiday marking the end of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr. What's Eid al-Fitr? The name Eid al-Fitr means "Feast of the fast-breaking". It takes place on the first day of the month that follows Ramadan. There is a special salat (prayer) which the whole community should come together for. As well, those who can afford to do it should provide a small amount of food for the needy so that everybody can celebrate Eid al Fitr is one of the biggest festivals for Muslims.

Wish you a happy & very blessed month of Ramadan! Regards,

From Our Family