The holy month of Ramadan is one of fasting and devotion to worship Allah. It is believed that the gates of heaven are kept open. Hence, great importance is attached to prayers.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is one of the most important periods in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of spiritual awakening, self-evaluation and remembrance of Allah, which Muslims observe through fasting and prayer. Ramadan teaches Muslims self-discipline, humility and giving. Charity is a significant part of Ramadan, and Muslims are expected to help the needy.
Importance of the Holy Quran
The Quran is the holy book of Muslims, believed to be the word of God. The Quran was first revealed by Angel Jibril (Gabriel) to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) during the last ten days of Ramadan on Lailat Al Qadr (Night of Decree), the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. Muslims consider the Quran to be a divine guide to life and the last word of Allah.
In the Quran, it is stipulated that Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon crescent. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has also given importance to this and has said that the moon has to be seen with the naked eye. Muslim scholars worldwide still seek the sighting of the moon in this fashion.
Ramadan is the time for prayers and remembrance of Allah. Muslims try to pray as much as they can and in addition to the five daily required prayers of Fajr, Dhuhur, Asr, Maghrib and Isha, special prayers are offered. Taraweeh prayer is offered daily in the evening after Isha prayer. Another prayer, called Qiyam Al Lail, is offered during the first hours after midnight, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan.