Ramadan, or Ramzan, began on the evening of 1st March across most parts of the Indian subcontinent. Here are ten things you must know about the Islamic holy festival:
Ramadan is divided into three ten-day phases-- the first for forgiveness, the second for self-purification, and the third for seeking protection from hellfire.
‘E’tikaaf’ involves spending the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion at a mosque, focusing on prayers and recitation of the Quran.
‘Zakat’ is a form of almsgiving, typically 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings, given during Ramadan to help the less fortunate.
‘Fitrah’ involves donating 2.5 kg of grain or its equivalent to the poor, usually towards the end of Ramadan.
Many Muslims aim to recite the entire Holy Quran Sharif during Ramadan, often completing it in 30 days, one part each day.
Fasting during Ramadan not only involves abstaining from food and water but also from all desires, including smoking and marital relations, to purify the mind and soul.
Suhoor/Sehri: The pre-dawn meal taken to prepare for the day's fast- often a nutritious and substantial meal to sustain energy.
‘Iftar’ is the breaking of the fast at sunset and usually begins with dates, followed by a nutritious meal shared with family and friends.
‘Taraweeh’ are additional prayers performed at night during Ramadan, after the obligatory Isha prayers, they are not mandatory but highly recommended.
‘Tahajjud’ prayers are performed after midnight and are believed to amplify positive energy and they are especially observed during Ramadan.