The first daily fast of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan began Thursday.
According to the Muslim calendar, it is the ninth holy month of fasting. During this period, for the next 30 days, Muslims introspect, pray in the mosque and read the Quran.
The Muslims believe God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer and faithful intention.
They also donate to charity to seek to draw closer to God.
Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr) commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night, that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.”
Apart from restraining from food and water, Muslims are also expected to refrain from sexual activities and immoral behavior.
Being a period of prayer, after the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called ifṭār that is often shared with friends and extended family.
The ifṭār usually begins with dates, as was the custom of Muhammad, or apricots and water or sweetened milk.
There are additional prayers offered at night called the tawarīḥ prayers, preferably performed in congregation at the mosque.
During these prayers, the entire Qurʾān may be recited over the course of the month of Ramadan.
After the 30 days, the end of the Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, commonly known as “Feast of Fast-Breaking”.
To celebrate the end of this period, Muslims in some communities bake special pastries and eat, they exchange gifts, women dress in white and children wear new clothes. They also gather and pray in mosques.
Happy Ramadan to all Muslims.
BY MARGARET MUGO