Why do we celebrate Ramadan?

In Islam, Ramadan is a holy month, during which fasting, Quran recital, self-restraint and prayer is observed.  Fasting is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam.  Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, or drink from sunrise to sunset.  Charity, good will, and personal reflection is also practiced.  Muslims break their daily fast by sharing meals with family and friends.  The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a 3-day celebration, known as Eid El-Fitr.

Ramadan is a month of cleansing and complete submission to God.  Muslims fast for 30 days straight.  Ramadan serves as the Islamic month during which the initial verses of the Holy Quran, (the Holy Scripture in Islam) were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Fasting is an act of self-discipline and patience and provides for the opportunity to connect with God on a spiritual level. 

The Holy Month provides more to the soul than just abstaining from food and drink, as people must also refrain from any forbidden acts, including backbiting, gossip, speaking obscenities, smoking, sexual relations and immoral behavior and thoughts.

Ramadan is also a time when family bonds are strengthened and communities spend much time together, sharing meals and offering prayers. It is a time for charity and a time to give thanks for what we have.

For some Muslims across the world, Ramadan began on Tuesday, while others began observing on Wednesday. The reason for the discrepancy in the start of the month is because Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the beginning of each Islamic month is marked by the sighting of the crescent (new moon) following the full moon. The sighting of the crescent is sometimes not confirmed by all Muslims. Hence, they may begin the fast at different times.