New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: Ramzan or Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for the Muslims across the world. This is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and comes after the month of Shaban. According to the Islamic Calendar, today is the last day of Shaban, which means that the month Ramzan will be starting from tomorrow (April 25) and the first fast of this month will also be observed tomorrow. During this month, fasting from sunrise to sunset is obligatory for all Muslims who are not ill, elderly, pregnant, diabetic, or menstruating. The first meal before sunrise is referred to as suhur and the feast to break the fast after sunset is known as iftar.
Muslims across the world devote their time in reciting the Holy Quran and offer prayers to Allah (God). Tarawih are extra nightly prayers that are also performed during the month of Ramadan.
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During Ramadan, it is believed that spiritual rewards of fasting are multiplied. Muslims refrain from food, drink, tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior and devote themselves to prayer, reciting Quran, charitable deeds as they strive for purity and awareness of God.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with daily prayer, declaration of faith, charity, and performing Hajj pilgrimage in Meca. According to Quran, the objective of fast is to remind people of the suffering of less fortunate and to bring followers of Islam closer to God. During this month, Muslims also donate alms to the poor and feed hungry.
The first and last dates of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar and differs from place to place. The one month cycle begins with a crescent moon that typically occurs after the new moon. This year Ramadan is likely to begin on March April 23 (Thursday) and ends in the evening of May 23 (Saturday) but the dates could vary depending on the sighting of the moon. The festival draws to a close with Eid-ul-Fitr.
Muslims usually gather together to offer evening prayers and break the fast but this year due to coronavirus pandemic, certain restrictions on gathering are expected to be put in place. It is advised to stay in homes and pray with family members.