The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar used in the West. Whereas the Western uses the solar calendar (based upon the sun’s movements), the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. While the Western calendar has 365 days in a year, the Muslim calendar has 354 days. Because the lunar year is shorter, each date on it falls about 10 or 11 days earlier than the solar calendar. Since each month begins upon the sighting of a new crescent moon, the beginning of Ramadan can only be predicted then. This is why atmospheric and weather conditions can delay sightings.
Ramadan means “scorched earth”
The word is derived from an Arabic root ramad, which means ashes or depending where you look, it means :scorched ground, shortness of rations, scorching heat, parched thirst, or sunbaked ground. Those are the general feelings of Muslims during the month, since the fast involves refraining from “moisture” and sustenance- like drink and food, during the daylight hours.
If you’re sick, you get a fasting exemption
The fast is obligatory for all mature adult muslims. Children get a pass, although parents usually begin teaching them to refrain from eating or drinking for certain periods of time to prepare them for the ritual later in life. People who are mentally handicapped or sick are exempt, so they do not have to fast. If you are pregnant or nursing you are also excused from fasting.
Ramadan is a time to remember religious devotion
Chapter 2, verses 183-203 of Sura Al- Baqarah in the Qur’an speaks of the need to fast during Ramadan as a way to develop “taqwa”. This is an Arabic term for “God- consciousness” or being aware that Allah is watching even if the person is not aware. People develop “taqwa” through obedience to God, and the fast reminds them of their devotions. The idea is that only Allah knows who breaks their fast and who fulfills their obligations with full devotion.
Eid al-Fitr is a three day celebration
Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fitr means “to break the fast.” It begins on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. People who can afford to donate rice, barley, dates, and money to people in need do that so everyone can have a holiday meal. This donation is known as “Sadaqah al-fitr (charitiy of fast-breaking). That first morning of Eid, muslims gather in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. Afterward they break off to visit various family and friends, exchange gifts, call distant relatives with holiday wishes, and feast. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most muslim countries, the entire three-day period is an official government or school holiday.
