Ramadan Facts
1 Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim,
Islamic
calendar, a religious annual observance and month
of
fasting that is considered to be one of the Five Pillars
of Islam.
2 During the month of Ramadan, adult Muslims
fast from dusk until dawn, unless they are ill,
pregnant, or diabetic, breastfeeding, or traveling.
This time spent fasting is meant to be used for prayer,
charity, spirituality, and for purifying the mind and
body.
3 The actual beginning of Ramadan is determined
by the sighting of the new moon, or astronomical
calculations. 4 Because of this, the actual date when
Ramadan begins each year differs from year to
year.
5 Interesting Ramadan Facts: It is believed that
Muhammad received the first
revelation during Ramadan. 6 The beginning of Ramadan can move as many as
11 or 12 days each year. In Egypt, the clocks are
pushed back to shorten
the days and increase the night, when fasting is
not required.
7 During Ramadan, Muslim-majority countries often shorten work days to allow for additional prayer
time each day.
8 In Muslim countries the economy is impacted
because of the fasting. It usually results in a
month of inflation; prices go up.
9 If a non-Muslim meets a Muslim during the month of Ramadan, the appropriate greeting for good
wishes is "Ramadan Mubarak" which means
"Have a blessed Ramadan." During Ramadan
Muslims are obligated to give to
charity through Sadaqa (voluntary giving), or
Zakat (mandatory giving). Children are not obligated to fast during Ramadan,
not until they have reached puberty, but some
practice in order to prepare for adult participation.
10 The Five Pillars of Islam include Sawm: Fasting
during Ramadan, Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca at
least once in their life, Zakat: giving to the poor, Salat: five-time daily prayer, facing Mecca,
including absolution prior to prayer, Shalada:
declaration of belief in one true God. The meal
before the beginning of the fast is called
suhoor, and the meal after sunset is called iftar.
11 The first prayer of the day is called Fajr. Despite the exemptions to fasting during Ramadan
such as illness, breastfeeding, or medical
conditions, many Muslims will persist with fasting
because of their spiritual needs. If one is not able
to fast, but is able to in the future once their
condition changes, they must still complete the fast. 12 Muslims often break the daily fast with three
dates and then a prayer called the Maghrib
prayer. A meal follows which is often a buffet-
style large meal.
13 During Ramadan Muslims are encouraged to
read the Quran.
14 In some countries it is a crime to ignore
Ramadan
and break the fast. Although Ramadan has shown
to have some
health benefits to Muslims, it can also cause problems for patients with advanced kidney
disease due to water restrictions. Fasting can last
longer each day for Muslims in in
polar regions where daylight can last for up to 22
hours.
15 At the end of Ramadan there is a large festival called Eid ul Fitr to celebrate the end of the fast. Eid
ul Fitr is celebrated by wearing one's best clothes,
giving gifts, having a large meal, and spending
time with one's family.
16 Muslims also use this time
to ask for forgiveness for sins and to praise Allah (God).

May Allah increase you in knowledge and make us amongst those to benefit from the blessings associated with Ramadan. Thanks for the info. Jazakallahu khair