(Some of the following information was quoted from http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm)
. . .However, for some the celebration of the Fast of Ramadan will begin. Let us extend the long-arm-of-tolerance and begin to understand. . .Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is a month long celebration of fasting and connecting with God. It is believed that the Holy Quran was sent from Heaven as "guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of "Salvation.""(http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm)
Muslims become more aware of their Faith than their daily lives like all of us live trying to blend traditions, practices of faith, and cultural beliefs into normalcy. The balancing at times can become overwhelming and taking the time to breathe to become more aware of ones Faith actually can be very enlightening. Ramadan is just that, it is a time of contemplation and worship. To achieve this, fasting is a very integral part of the celebration. Cleansing of body and mind.
"During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are practiced during the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.
The Holy Quran states that "One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"" (http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm)
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things that are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan, though they are considered offensive at all times. They are, basically, the Golden Rules as other religions follow the Ten Commandments. What the five things are can also be deemed as common courtesy. They are "the telling of a lie; slander; denouncing someone behind his back; a false oath; and greed or covetousness." (http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm)
As most of us attend a church or a synagogue, Muslims attend the Masjid or Mosque and spend several hours praying and studying the Holy Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer or Night Prayer. The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
Anticipation. . .On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power. It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran and when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
Anticipation. . .The first day of the month of Shawwal is when the fast ends. It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr or the Feast of Fast Breaking.
ANTICIPATION. . .Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
Now that there is an understanding of the celebration of Ramadan, can't you feel the anticipation from the beginning? The fasting may be compared to other holidays some of us celebrate, such as Easter and Passover. But the anticipation of knowing that during this time of fasting one will only attain a healthier body and mind. And of course the anticipation that at the end of the fasting a celebration with family and friends takes place!
It has culminated into A Season of Giving. . .
Enjoy! the weekend as Anticipation Begins. . . . .
(Some of the information for this piece was quoted from http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm)
