3. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by
developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community.
Ramadan is a very spiritual time for Muslims, and often they invite each
other to one another's homes to break the fast and pray together. A greater
sense of generosity and forgiveness is also characteristic of this time.
As with other duties in Islam, fasting becomes obligatory (i.e. one becomes
accountable) after the age of puberty.
Vocabulary List
Ramadan - the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast
from dawn to sunset.
Sawm - Arabic word meaning "fasting."
Suhoor - the pre-dawn breakfast meal eaten before beginning the daily fast.
Iftar - the evening meal, taken after sunset to break the daily fast.
Tarawih - special prayers offered nightly during Ramadan, when approximately
1/30th of the Quran is recited.
Eid al-Fitr - Festival at the end of Ramadan, in celebration of completing the month of
fasting. This takes place on the 1st day of the next month, Shawal.