10 August 2010

Muslims welcome the month of Ramadan

This year Ramadan starts on 10th / 11th August 2010 (these dates are approximate as commencement of Ramadan and Eid, a festival marking the end of Ramadan, are determined by the Lunar Calendar). Ramadan will last for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. It ends on or around 9th / 10th September 2010.

Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting and is undertaken as a sign of respect for Allah. This entails completely abstaining from all forms of nourishment, food, liquids (including water) and smoking as well as not engaging in sexual activity from dawn to sunset for the whole month. The fast is an act of worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. Fasting is intended to direct the heart away from worldly activities and cleanse the inner soul, enabling Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice and sympathy for those who are less fortunate.

More information can be found in our Ramadan Guidance