INFORMATION
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and
increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into
following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at
sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also
increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally
sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart
away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing
it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice
self-discipline, self-control,[16] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are
less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity
(zakat).[17]
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they
reach puberty, so long as they are healthy and sane, and have no disabilities
or illnesses. Many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as
practice for later life.
Increased prayer and recitation of the Quran
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the
entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means
of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the
mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran
(juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran
would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read
the whole Quran in the Tarawih prayers, it is common.
Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of power" or
'the night of decree", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of
the year.[25][26] This is the night in which Muslims believe the first
revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was
"better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter
97:3 of the Qu'ran.
Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred
on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of
the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.
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