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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijra calendar,
which is used in Islam. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the
Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of
direction, and a means of Salvation". Ramadan is often used as a synonym of sawm,
the religious fasting festival that fills the entire month.
Another important festival that takes place in Ramadan is the Night of Destiny.
The exact date of this festival is not known to man, but it is believed to be on
the night between 26. and the 27. Ramadan. During this night both the course of
the coming year, as well as man's destiny is set.
It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and
lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their
faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time
of worship and contemplation
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of
Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking
and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day
the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening
following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and
friends. The fast is resumed the next morning
The word Muslim (Moslem) means "one who gives himself to God" in Arabic. Islam
means "submission or obedience to God"
The most important message of the Holy Quran is that God is the creator of the
world and controls everything in it. Muslims are called upon to surrender to the
will of God. They must live according to the rules of the Holy Quran and perform
the five main duties of Islam - called the Five Pillars of Faith:
As part of their Islam religion Muslims have 5 duties they must perform, called
the Five Pillars of Faith
Shahada (affirmation) - The duty to recite the creed:
"There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the
Messenger of God"
Salat (prayer):
The duty to worship the One God in prayer five times each day
Zakat (almsgiving):
The duty to distribute alms and to help the needy
Siyam (fasting):
The duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan
Hajj (pilgrimage):
The duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime
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