Salams and hellos lovely people! Ramadan is starting this Sunday! how very exciting! It's a very special month for Muslims. Here are ten facts about it if you are not familiar.
Fact #1: It's the ninth month of the Arabic calendar. The Arabic calendar follows the moon movement. For example, a full moon is usually half the Arabic month. The usual English calendar follows the sun. The rest is all similar.
Fact #2: During this month 29 or 30 days depending on the moon, Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset. Basically during the day & yes from food and even water. At night, everything is allowed though. Food wise. I know some people over do it, but it should be done in moderation and thought.
Fact 3: Food is not the only thing that's not allowed, but bad behaviour should be watched. It's like a training program to reform humans and to encourage them to be polite, honest, respectful and nice to each other. For a detailed list of what should or shouldn't be done click here.
Fact 4: This month is like a gift from God. The devil is locked up somewhere up there, so we don't get his evil whispers and all good deeds are doubled.
Fact 5: The month of Ramadan teaches us to give more because usually people do not understand the situations of others unless they try it first hand and when a person feels the hunger and how awful it is, this person will be more motivated to give. Just giving and giving with pure intention after trail are different.
Fact 6: The name of the first meal after breaking the fast is Iftar/Iftari/Ftoor (depending on the person's accent), which literally means breakfast.
Fact 7: The name of the later, meal that is eaten before sunrise is shari/suhoor. This meal is important and it's right before dawn. Some people sleep and then wake up. It's the meal the keeps you fasting in the day without starving.
Fact 8: The most recommended food to start Iftar is dates and yogurt drink because that just rejuvenates and nutritious.
Fact 9: The holy Quran was completed during the month of Ramadan and that happened on a specific night known as the night of power/ Laylat AlQader. The exact night wasn't declared, but it's mostly thought of as the 23rd or the 27th of Ramadan.
Fact 10: After The month of Ramadan, comes Eid! Which is a huge celebration event for families and friends, where gifts and sweets are exchanged. Something like Christmas. It's like a reward after the hard work of the month.