Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar and it being a lunar calendar thus its first also starts with the sighting off moon. Being a very important month its beginning or end on the right day and date is important as it is full of blessings etc. thus for that purpose most of the Islamic countries have formed a committee by the name HILAL COMMITTEE which confirms the moon sighting.

After the confirmation of beginning of this holy month the usual eating times for Muslims change for at least this month. The morning meals are called SAHERI which marks the beginning of the fast for the day and then IFTAR which signals the end of fast. People during this month involve themselves more into the reciting of Quran and abiding more SUNNAHS as it facilitates them with more and more good rewards before ALMIGHTY.

The sacred book of Islam THE HOLY QUR’AN was revealed in this month on one of last ten nights on the prophet MOHAMMAD (SAW) The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is called Lailat ul Qadr, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship. And the Muslims usually wake for the whole night reciting quran and offering prayers.

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” [al-Baqarah 2:185]. It is believed that during this holy month that the devil is chained in hell and the doors of heaven are opened and the doors hell are closed as justified by the following lines

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.”(Agreed upon).

During the nights Muslims perform a special prayer TARAWEEH. These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended. Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually take some hours. These prayers also give Muslims a chance to meet at the mosque every day, and so they also help to improve relationships in the Muslim community.

The last ten days Muslims go for ITIKAF. Itikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur’an. Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.

This month preaches to shun all the bad habits and embosom in oneself the human values for a better life here and hereafter. The month again ends up with moon sighting and the following day is celebrated as EID-ul-FITR. This marks the end of fasts and the begining of another month.

For further reading on Ramadan check the following link: Ramadan- The Holy Month for Muslims