Ramadan (Arabic) or Ramadan (Turkish) — is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. This month is the most important and honorable for Muslims. Throughout the month, strict fasting («urase») is observed, which means giving up water, food and intimate relationships during daylight hours.
«O those who believe! Fasting is as binding a prescription for you as it was for those before you. Perhaps you will be God-fearing [by fulfilling this divine injunction]» (Holy Quran, 2:183).
Refusal to eat, from the time when the «black thread begins to differ from the white» until the sun sets completely, is not the end in itself of fasting. The meaning of abstinence and fasting in general is strengthening faith, spiritual growth, rethinking one’s lifestyle and priorities. Fasting for Muslims is, first of all, an opportunity to move away from the forbidden and determine for oneself the true values of life.
Fasting is prescribed for all sexually mature Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is especially noted that those who are unable to observe it are exempt from fasting: older people or Muslims with chronic diseases. But then a Muslim must feed the poor for each day of fasting or provide assistance to the needy (in an amount not less than the amount he spends per day on food). Also exempt from fasting are those whom Ramadan finds on the way or under other circumstances not allowing them to hold a fast. In this case, missed fasting days are replenished on the days of the next month.
The month of Ramadan and Lent ends with the second most important Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayram), starting at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and lasting on the 1st and 2nd of the next month of Shawwal. After completing collective prayer in the mosque on the 1st day of the month of Shawwal, Muslims go to a festive meal, during which it is customary to treat not only family and friends, but also neighbors and acquaintances (regardless of their religion). The distribution of alms (sadak) is a prerequisite for the celebration. It is also customary to visit the graves of relatives on holidays.