Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all those of physically mature and healthy being are expected to abstain from all food, drink, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast. The aspects of one's behaviour one needs to be aware of include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character; all unnecessary sights and sounds are to be avoided and a purity of thought and action is paramount. The fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which God is to be ever more at the centre of one's feelings, thoughts and actions. The act of fasting redirects the heart away from worldly activities, reduces one's daily tempo and draws one towards The Divine.
Over the month of Ramadan it is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The month' s fasting is intended to help teach oneself, self-discipline, self-restraint as well as to help oneself build a greater awareness of the forces that are around our beings all the time and how we ourselves can interact with them in a more harmonious way. It also reminds oneself of the suffering of those less fortunate than ourselves and the generosity that we can all share with others. Ramadan like Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different families and friends coming together to share in an evening meal.
The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of special spiritual power as everyone tries to come closer to God through devotion and an improved state. The night on which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet, known as the Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadr), is generally taken to be the 27th night of the month. Therefore many spend the entire night in quiet and open state of prayer.
As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, there is a search in the sky for the next full moon. When the full moon is sighted the three-day festival of Eid- (happiness) Ul-Fitr (breaking the fast) is ushered in.
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