Month of Mercy

Ramadan or Ramzan is the holy month of fasting and the month of mercy to Muslims. It is the forth pillar of faith and the ninth month of the year according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The holy session begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening following the new moon and lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar cycle.
Fasting
From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and many other pleasures. Only two meals are taken each day during Ramadan. The Sehar/Suhoor is a meal taken before dawn and the meal which is taken to break the fast after sunset is called Iftaar and is around normal supper timings.
Duties
It is said that fasting in believers may cultivate pity. In the month of Ramadan, Muslims must give alms to the poor. It is called Zakat and a Muslim Zakat is a tax on his living and must be cleared. And during this month Muslims are supposed to give alms and help the needy. It is a month when Muslims fondly remember the ones who are no more and send Fatiah (Prayer) to them. Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain from telling lies and acting on them even while observing fast. We must abstain from indecent acts, unnecessary talk or involve ourselves in baseless arguments. It is also not prudent to indulge in eating too much while after the fast because of the fact fast loses its meaning with an indulgence. Fasting Religion very naturally and
considerately exempts people
from fasting who are:
1.Sick
2.Aged
3.Traveler
4.Pregnant Woman
5.Suckling Woman
6.Females excused
7.Mentally retarded
If in condition, one should donate a meal or fast an equivalent number of days afterwards.

Benefits
Fasting benefits in developing self restraint called Taqwa in Arabic .It is a state of heart that motivates virtuous conduct and prevents evil action. A month of patience benefits in building of character from Taqwa that is Self-Control, Self Discipline, Responsibility, Obedience and purification of soul. Ramadan is the chance given for the better living. It is the way to get in the habit and continue an honest and healthy life.
Festivities
Ramadan is that month of the Muslim year when The Quran was sent down as a guidance for the people .The first verse of the Quran was revealed on the night of determination, which Muslims generally observe on 26 or 27 Ramadan .It is a time of special spiritual power as everyone tries to come close to God through devotion and good deeds. People spend the entire night (laylat al Qadar) in prayers. Festivities begin on the night before Eid, known as Chand raat or the night of the moon. Mainly females, particularly young girls decorate their hands with Henne(mehndi) and sing traditional songs, while preparing the traditional dishes and verities to celebrate ‘The blessed Eid’ ending the Ramadan.

                                                                                                                                                                Rahiba Rashid
                                                                                                                                                                BA (Journalism, Psychology and
                                                                                                                                                                English)