Frequently asked Questions about Ramadan

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the orbiting of the moon (lunar calendar), rather than the orbiting of the earth (solar calendar). It was in the month of Ramadan in which the Quran (Holy Book for Muslims) was first revealed.

What is Fasting?
Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relations. This means that no substitute should be introduced into the body, which could be considered as providing nourishment to the body (e.g., a nutritional injection). Fasting also involves abstaining from evil intentions and desires.

What is the length of the Fasting?
From dawn to sunset, every day of the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

Who should observe the Fast?
Fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim male and female who has reached the age of puberty.

Who is exempted from Fasting?

• Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fasting.
• Sick people whose health may be worsened by fasting.
• Pregnant women if according to a doctor's advice they should refrain from fasting.
• Breast-feeding mothers if their child does not receive a sufficient quantity of milk because of their mother's fast.
• Women in the period of menstruation and after childbirth (up to a maximum of 40 days).
• Children under the age of puberty.
• Insane people who are not accountable for their deeds.
• A traveling Muslim.

All the above people (with the exception of children who are underage and the insane people and the feeble elderly) must make up the number of fasts they have missed on account of their exemption, after the month of Ramadan.

How is Ramadan celebrated?
A feast called Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of thanks giving and happiness celebrates the end of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims offer special prayers in congregation and thank Allah for His blessings and mercy.

In conclusion, it is imperative to judge a religion by its teachings and not by people who claim to be its followers.