<ul><li>The month of Ramadan is about more than just fasting.</li><li>You are also encouraged to do good deeds such as charity and abstain from sinful acts such as gossip.</li><li>It's also a month of self-reflection and a way for Muslims to develop positive habits that can be brought forward once Ramadan is over.</li></ul>

Beyond Fasting

<ul><li>Ramadan is a month full of social festivities such as communal dinners, group prayers, and other gatherings.</li><li>The Islamic holy month is always held on the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar.</li><li>Since the calendar depends on the moon cycle, Ramadan falls about 11 days earlier each year. </li><li>During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk — yes, even water.</li><li>When the sun sets, there is a communal meal called 'Iftar' where you break your fast, usually with your family or friends.</li></ul>

The Ramadan Month

<ul><li>You may see the phrases "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" on social media.</li><li>"Ramadan Mubarak" means "Have a blessed Ramadan".</li><li>"Ramadan Kareem" means "Have a generous Ramadan".</li><li>You don't have to be participating in Ramadan to say "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem".</li><li>They are festive greetings the same as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah".</li></ul>

The Meaning Of Ramadan Mubarak

<ul><li>Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the moon cycle.</li><li>After a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate with a festival called Eid and wish each other 'Eid Mubarak' (Have a blessed Eid).</li><li>Eid is a social event that is celebrated by having your family, friends and neighbours over for a large feast.</li><li>Muslims decorate their homes and wear new clothes, and children and the elderly receive gifts or money packets.</li><li>While practices vary across the world, Eid is also a time when Muslims seek forgiveness from each other.</li></ul>

The Duration Of The Holy Month

<ul><li>Don't eat or drink from dawn to dusk.</li><li>Before the sun rises, Muslims usually wake up to eat a big meal so that they won't be hungry during the day.</li><li>Those who don't want to wake up early have a big dinner before bed.</li></ul>You're exempt from fasting if you're:<ul><li>Pregnant</li><li>Sick</li><li>Menstruating</li><li>Travelling long distances</li></ul>Children are not required to fast but they're welcome to learn by participating, such as fasting up until lunchtime.If you miss a fast, you can make up for it by fasting at a later date. And if you can't fast because of health reasons, you can donate food or money to the poor instead.

The Rules Of Ramadan

<ul><li>You can eat and drink in front of someone fasting for Ramadan during the day.</li><li>While they will probably turn down your lunch invite, you can have dinner together when they break their fast.</li><li>Remember, Ramadan is all about coming together, so inviting a person to break their fast with you is a large part of the celebration.</li></ul>

Ramadan Etiquettes

Observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is an interesting mix of austerity and celebration. Read on to find out why it’s so important to the Islamic faith

food

Food

communication

Communication

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

travel

Travel

Ramadan: Islam's holiest month

If you ask your friend out for lunch this month and they say no, don't take it personally. They may be celebrating the month where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

The Ramadan Month

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How the practices of Ramadan started