The Holy Month of Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan

Modern day cultures and religions have many different facets to each of them.   In the Islamic culture, the holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important and anticipated cultural events of the year.   On the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar all Muslims abstain from activities that would normally be deemed appropriate.   These activities include the practices of fasting, prayer and reading from the Quran.  
Ramadan marks one of the most significant events in Islamic culture.   It is the anniversary of Allah revealing the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad (“Ramadan”).   This holy month is presented as sort of a ritual initiation into adult life (Kapchan). The origin of the word Ramadan comes from the Arabic word ramida, which means intensive heat and dryness (Khalil). During this time of observance it is common to hear Muslims greet one another by saying “Ramadan Kareem,” which means, “May Ramadan be bountiful” (Aziz).   During Ramadan, every responsible and fit Muslim should fast, pray and read from the Quran ( El- Ashi).   If there is failure to observe without reasonable excuse it is considered a sin in Gods eyes (El-Ashi).  
Fasting during Ramadan is just one of the facets of the holy month.   Islamic culture believes that there is much spiritual meaning behind fasting.   They believe that, “It teaches man the principle of sincere love, it is an effective lesson applied to moderation and willpower, it equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life and that it imbues in man the genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God” (El-Ashi).   Not only do Muslims abstain from food and drink during the fast but they also must abstain from sexual intercourse and quarrels or fights as well. There are nine indulgences that can make a fast void.   They include eating and drinking, sexual intercourse, masturbation, lying to God, enema with liquids, immersing ones head in water, letting dust reach...