Ramadan
March 10 - April 9, Sunday – Tuesday
According to Muslim tradition, it was during this month that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). This event, which led to the revelation of the holy book of Islam, the Quran, became one of the fundamental events in Islam.
The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root "ramad", meaning "heat" or "scorching heat". It symbolizes the purification of the soul through fasting, prayer and abstinence from sin.
The central element of Ramadan is sawm - an obligatory fast from dawn to sunset throughout the month. During the fast, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual intercourse. The purpose of fasting is to help Muslims develop self-discipline, patience, and an appreciation for the blessings they have.
Suhoor is the morning meal that is eaten before dawn and the fast begins. Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast immediately after sunset. Traditionally, iftar begins with dates and water, as the Prophet Muhammad did.
Ramadan is not only a time of physical abstinence, but also a period of spiritual purification. Muslims pay more attention to prayer, reading the Quran, and reflection.
One of the key practices of Ramadan is the night prayer - tarawih, which is recited after the main evening prayer iftar. In some mosques, Muslims complete the entire Quran during these prayers.
An important moment of Ramadan is the Night of Power (Lailat al-Qadr). It is believed that it was on this night, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, that the Quran was revealed. This night is especially treasured, and Muslims try to spend it in prayer, asking for forgiveness and blessings.
Ramadan is also associated with the concept of zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity). This is a time when Muslims are more active in helping those in need, distributing food to the poor, making donations, and doing good deeds.