Peace, Purity, & Oneness.Ramadan (pronounced RUH-ma-dan), is the month of fasting and purification many Muslims all over the world participate in.
Ramadan usually lasts 29-30 days and the most common aspect of it is the fasting which takes place each day from dawn to dusk. Muslims will wake up before the sun rises to eat a regular sized breakfast. Just regular stuff; for example, today I ate 2 eggs and 3 pieces of toast, drank some mango juice and water, and that was it. For the remainder of the day, dawn onwards, we will not eat or drink anything. No, not even water. We are supposed to commence with our daily activities such as work or school while we fast.
After the sun sets, we 'break' our fasts. Again, most people will eat a normal portion of food. Your body hasn't eaten all day and contrary to popular belief, you do not end up binge eating.
Fasting is certainly an important part of Ramadan, but it is not the only aspect. During Ramadan, Muslims practice abstinence and try to refrain from other things such as smoking. Ramadan can be seen as the month of purification and rejuveination of one's mind and body.
Muslims are expected to make extra donations to the poor and pray more during this month.
After Ramadan is over, we celebrate with large gatherings and feasts on a day known as Eid. A standard greeting would be "Eid Mubarak!" or "Happy Eid!".
This year, Ramadan started on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 and will end around September 19th or 20th. Because Islamic months follow a lunar calendar, the time Ramadan takes place changes every single year. There is no set date.
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