ramadan

" (Bukhari Muslim).
             ""Fasting is not only to restrain from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly towards you, say (to them) "I am fasting; I am fasting" "" (Ibn Khuzaimah).
             The Fasting month is called Ramadan. As the word Ramadan indicates the heating sensation on the stomach as a result of thirst. It has been said to be so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Although some people believe it is called Ramadan because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition remembrance of Allah during the fasting period, just as sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. The relation between the heat and its properties is believed to be miraculously similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mould virtually every matter, from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells. Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remould, reshape, reform and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behaviour.
             Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; it is a special month for over one billion Muslims, as fasting is practised by Muslims all over the world. This month is seen to be so special by all Muslims as it is believed to be the month when the Holy Qu"ran was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction and as a means of salvation," It is during this month Muslims fast. This fast is called "The Fast of Ramadan." It lasts throughout the 29 to 30 days of the month.
             The most anticipated start of the month is based on a combination of physical sightings of the moon and on astronomical calculations. As the Islamic months are based on the positioning of the moon, Ramadan falls eleven days earlier each year. Muslims excitedly await the announcement of the sighting of the new moon.