Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The moon cycles through the seasons. The beginning of the sacred moon depends on sightings of a crescent moon.
Ramadan is thought to be the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
In the Islamic Hijri calendar, the appearance of the moon after the new moon phase defines the beginning of all the months of the Islamic calendar.
Iranian Muslims eat pre-dawn meals known as “Sahari” to replenish and raise their bodies before the speed of each day.
Daily fasting in Ramadan involves refraining from all foods and drinks. It is not permitted to take a sip of water from dawn to sunset before breaking fasting with a meal known as “iftar.” Most often it starts with the date.
These fastings are expected to abstain from bad behavior such as gossiping and increase good deeds.
For Muslims, it is a time of increased worship, charity and good deeds. Socially, it often brings family and friends together in celebration gatherings around meals, breaking quickly for them.
Ramadan ends with the Eid Al Fitr festival, where many Muslims celebrate with new clothes and communal prayers.
During that month, Muslims develop self-control, gratitude, approach God, practice what they feel for the poor and hungry.
Iranians flow into the mosque for congregational prayers, devoting more time to religious contemplation and reading of the Qur’an during Ramadan.
Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many people are trying to offer iftar for the poor.
The new TV show lineup is another fixture for Iran this month.
Ramadan is also considered the month of gifts. Muslims around the world are encouraged to donate to charities and think of other people’s light letters. As a result, Gaza fundraiser and campaign efforts could increase in the Holy Month.
MNA/