Millions of Muslims around the world observe fasting every year in the month of Ramadan.
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This year the holy month coincides with the longest daylight hours meaning those observing it will be fasting for up to 19 hours per day. During Ramadan Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex.
As the Muslims welcomed the Holy month in Jamia Mosque Nairobi, they said they spend more money than during the normal days.
Breaking the fast at sundown is known as “iftar” while the morning meal before sunrise is called “suhoor”. “Then during the night they come together for prayer, to break their fast, and participate in other communal and charitable activities planned”, explained Mr Ali.
More than a billion Muslims around the world are marking the start of Ramadan Monday. It will end this year around July 5, to be followed by Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that ushers in three days of communal meals and gift-giving.
Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran and to engage in acts of charity.
If you know anyone who’s fasting for Ramadan, don’t offer them any food, but you could say “Ramadan Mubarak” – Happy Ramadan. The spiritual discipline is meant to train the human soul in deeper mindfulness and self-restraint. As with other Islamic duties, all mentally and physically able Muslims take part in sawm from about the age of 12, but there are special dispensations for those who are ill, pregnant or nursing, menstruating, or traveling, and for young children and the elderly.
China has welcomed the start of Ramadan with the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region’s top official wishing the area’s Muslim residents a joyful celebration of the Islamic faith’s holy season.
Ramadan is an annual observance and is regarded as one of the five Pillars of Islam. Several local government departments in Xinjiang posted notices on their websites in the last week ordering restrictions on fasting during Ramadan.
“I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights”, the president said.
The fast should not affect the daily work of the devotees.
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Do you agree with these tips on how parents can help their kids to be sensitive with their Muslim friends during Ramadan 2016?
