The Holy Month of Fasting رمضان Ramadan The Holy Month of Fasting

:Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.  Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. In 2011, Ramadan begins at sundown on July 31st.

Arabic Root :  The word itself is derived from an Arabic Root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,  scorched ground and shortness of rations. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you".

Fasting (sawm) صوم Muslim fast from Sun rise to sunset abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. earlier.

If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier. Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.

Ramadan Teachings : The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities. Its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat)

Special Deeds Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.

Praying ,Reciting Quran

This can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need.  Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it. This can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar.

IFTAR إفطار At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar. The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served

Special food & drink to break the fasting

Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time . Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Middle Eastern countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning.

Special Ramadan Banquets

Mawaed Rahman موائد الرحمن  When walking down the streets of Cairo in Egypt at the time of the sunset prayer (Maghrib), not only people who are giving out dates and water are seen but several Mawaed Rahman as well. Mawaed Rahman are free public eateries organized during the holy month of Ramadan. Mawaed Rahman means banquets of food dedicated to needy as a form of charity in order to do a good deed as a form of worshiping & admitting Gods’ favors over you.

Mawaed Rahman

Mawaed Rahman are organized by the wealthy, in order to offer the needy and the poor a warm meal during iftar time. Normally, Mawaed Rahman are donated and financed by individuals. The location of the Mawaed Rahman are essential, since areas where a lot of people pass by are preferred, because that way the eateries can reach out to a greater amount of hungry

Ramadan Lantern فانوس رمضان In Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. The origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city. Youth now a days tend to decorate their neighborhood with Fanus , handmade paper decoration and would spend their time after the night prayer playing soccer games.

مدفع رمضان Ramadan Canon It became a tradition to hear the Originally the call for Maghreb prayer was the announcement for the time of Iftar But with the wide spread of people & land Muslims needed another method – along with the call for prayer- of announcing the Iftar timing . This Idea of using Canons was founded in Egypt & spread later to almost all the Arab world

المسحراتي Almshrati The first who wake people up on a drum was Egyptians ! Is a career launched by Muslims ,He is the person who wakes Muslims on the night of the month of Ramadan to eat Suhoor . Almshrati is always accompanied  by a drum that he plays in order to wake people up before the dawn prayers. The call is associated with some acclamations or religious songs. 

Ramadan special treats Kunafa & katayef Beklawa Balah elsham Om Ali Basbousa Ful ( beans )

kunafa Kunafa beklawa Basbousa katayef