CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a time for reflection and spiritual growth by Muslims worldwide.

- By Zainab Hussein

• Muslims come together to observe the fast, share pre-dawn meals, and break their fast together at Iftar, reinforcing the community bond

• Eid ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar and is joyously celebrated by Muslims upon the sighting of the crescent moon

The month-long fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam when Muslims have to abstain from food, drink and sinful behaviour. It is a month-long training in self-discipline that allows a person to purify the individual's mind, body and soul while fostering a deeper empathy for poverty and hardship.

Muslims come together to observe the fast, share pre-dawn meals, and break their fast together at Iftar, reinforcing the community bond. Muslims dedicate time to reading the Qur'an, giving zakat (charity), engaging in Taraweeh (special night prayers) and other meritorious deeds during this sacred month. Many businesses and organizations run by Muslims around the world adjust their working hours during Ramadan to accommodate religious observances as well.