RAMADAN

  بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar which began in AD622 when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Mecca to Medina. Quran 2:185 states that 'The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran.' It also mentions that all except those who are sick or on a journey must fast during the month. The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was made on 'night of power' which we Muslims refer to as Laylat Al-Qadr. Not just the Holy Quran but all holy scriptures of the Abrahamic faiths- the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel and the Tablet of Ibrahim were sent during the Holy month of Ramadan.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations, they also refrain from swearing. Food and drink are served daily, before sunrise and after sunset.Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad s.a.w. First received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

Sahar and Iftar

    Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called Sahar. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, the Fajr prayer. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar.

Considering the high diversity of the global Muslim population, it is impossible to describe typical sahar or iftar meals. Sahar can be typical breakfast foods, ethnic foods, or leftovers from the previous iftar.

    In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.

  Social gatherings, many times buffet style, at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, especially those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are consumed to a lesser extent.

  In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more entrees, and a various kinds of desserts. Usually, the dessert is the most important part during iftar. In the South Asia, Typical entries are lamb stewed with wheat berries, Haleem, Chicken Semiya, Qubani ka Meetha, Mutton Biryani, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, or roast chicken dishes are  served .   

                                     

Increased prayer and recitation of the Quran:

   In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz’, which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Salatul Tarawih prayers, it is common.

    Sometimes referred to as “the night of power” or ‘the night of decree”, Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was “better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu’ran.

Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred in an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan

         The Muslim holiday of Eid UL-Fitr (“festivity of breaking the fast”), the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid UL-Fitr.  Eid UL-Fitr  may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.

            Eid al-Fitr has a particular Salaat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) and generally offered in an open field or large hall. The Eid Prayer has two rak’ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'a ah, and three of them just before ruku‘ in the second rak’ah. The detailed way of performing the ‘Eid prayer is as follows: 

         After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur’an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak’ah will be performed in the normal way.

  After rising for the second rak’ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur’an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku‘. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying “Allahu Akbar‘ bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku‘ position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku‘ saying, ‘Allahu Akbar’. The rest of the Salaat will be performed in its usual way.

Note: info taken from Wikipedia.