Start of Ramadan

This year, the holy month of Ramadan starts as early as August 1, according to Muslim philosophers. This is based according on sighting of the new moon. Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar which is eleven days shorter that the solar calendar used elsewhere, where in Islamic holidays move each year.  During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and having sexual intercourse with husband and wife. This month was marked for praying, charity and fasting. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).

Muslims believe that during this month, the first verse of the Holy  Qur'an was revealed, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Mohammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an.

Fasting or 'sowm" during Ramadan is essential because it is one of the five pillars that governs Islam. That means, they refrain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and even doing bad things. They should devote this holy month to the creator, Allah. Fasting starts after they've eaten the first meal, called suhoor before the sun rises and ended after the sun sets and eaten iftar. For them, fasting serves many purposes as they learn to practice self-control and being reminded by th suffering of the poor and needy. They also believe that fasting helps to cleanse body and mind from stress.

Ramadan ends with a festival called "Eid-Al Fitr" or "Breaking of the Fast".  Muslims dress in their finest clothes and decorates their homes with lights and decorations, giving treats to children and visiting friends and family. A sense of generosity and hospitality gives color to this kind of festivities.