Also known as Ramadhan or Ramazan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year which is celebrated from
beginning to end as holy - in fact, many regard it as the holiest time of the
Muslim year. The principle outward characteristic of Ramadan is that Muslims are
expected to fast all day, every day. Traditionally the times of fast are marked
as whenever a white thread can be distinguished from a black thread. Once those
threads can no longer told apart, eating is permitted.
Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars, meaning it is one
of the five most basic beliefs/acts which a Muslim has to do. However, it's not
accurate to say that everyone simply goes without food or water - there are quite
a few rules which apply to it. For one thing, a Muslim must consciously formulate the
intention to fast as part of a rite. This is to prevent fasting from becoming an
empty symbol which people don't give much thought to. The full formulation reads:
"to fast tomorrow to acquit my duty towards God of fasting Ramadan this year."
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