Ramadan Kareem!

So its that time of year again!

A quick explanation for those who have never heard of it, this is the month in which all the eligible Muslims are encouraged to fast from food drink and if they are married sexual relations from sun up till sun down for 29 or 30 days of the lunar calendar. Eligible means men and women who are over the age of about 7, are not sick, or travelling, or in women's instance have their menstrual cycle or in some cases breast feeding.

We do so primarily to learn fear of God, but among the other benefits is that we can understand the hardships of poor people, we shed extra weight, and clean out the system of polutants. Its also a time of solidarity and sharing food when we do break fast. We visit each other more often and go to the mosque to pray for many hours in which the whole community is there. For us it is a very happy time!

Of course it is difficult at first , but the blessings are huge and many great things always seem to happen each year to me at least! Even nicer was the moon was sighted, which marks the beginning of Ramadan, on the day of my 5th Anniversary with my wife! The lunar calendar moves around the solar year by shifting back 13days a year. So next year Ramadan will begin on the 8th or so of August 2010.

We are told that fasting is the highest form of worship since only God really knows if you are being true to it or not. You can fool other people or cheat, but then you are only starving yourself. Its only if youre honest and really try that you reap tremendous rewards.

So to one and all i wish you a Blessed Ramadan, and even encourage non Muslims to try fasting and see how it's like, its a great was to break addictions.

Ramadan Kareem people, make as best use of this month as you can!


Originaly Posted By omar-dogan