The Holy Month of Ramadhan

Muslims all over the world, estimated to be over one billion faithfuls, regardless of color and race, observe the holy month of Ramadhan, which is the month-long fasting.

Fasting month falls from June 6 to July 5, this year. The end of fasting is called the feast of Eid’l Fitri, which is celebrated with fitting and meaningful activities.

Fasting is one of the five (5) pillars of Islam, the others being, belief in the oneness of Allah, giving alms to the poor, pilgrimage to Mecca, and praying five (5) times a day.

During the month of fasting, Muslims observing Ramadhan abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset for thirty (30) days.

Fasting is the month of cleansing and purifying of body and soul through prayer and sacrifice, where every Muslim faithful attempts to become the best person he or she can be. It is observed by praying five times a day, listening to discussions on the teachings of Islam , reading of the holy Qur’an, watching religious video and movie presentations, playing ball games and parlor games for children , sharing of material blessings to one’s fellowmen, especially the less fortunate, showing positive traits, behavior, and qualities to others and in the process develop desirable values, traits, qualities, and virtues such as perseverance, patience, generosity, humility, love, respect, understanding, camaraderie, unity, solidarity, forgiveness, teamwork, obedience, and such other positive human values and virtues.

All of these are done for the Glory of God and in the service of humanity.

With the successful observance of fasting, every Muslim believer is expected to gain positive spiritual and physical values essential in the attainment of personal and professional undertakings and the achievement of common development goals and objectives for the benefit of communities, thus ushering in an atmosphere of social, economic, cultural and political developments in society and economy.

TNRS