Ramadan: The Holy Month

Ramadan, has approached again, this is considered the holy month for muslims all over the world. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calender. Fasting during this holy month teaches muslims modesty, patience and spirituality. Muslims throughout the world fast for the sake of Allah and offer prayers more than usual. People abstain from eating and drinking between dawn and sunset, They refrain from indulging in anything that is considered excessive and ill-natured.
Ramadan is the time to reflect our sins and ask for forgiveness from God, We pray for guidance, to refrain from evil and bad deeds. This is also the time to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen bonds with family and friends, do away with all things that are bad: basically to cleanse our lives and our cluttered minds.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline and self-control, show empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging acts of generosity and charity. While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children attempt to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life.
Besides engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, the evenings are spent with family and close friends partaking meals. In many Muslim countries, markets and shops close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and consume the Iftar meal –(the evening meal eaten when muslims break fast,) These markets then re-open and stay open way past midnight and till the time of suhoor: the meal taken before sunrise.
The Holy month of Ramadan is a time for fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with it are multipled. Thus by fasting Muslims feel a closeness to God.