What is Ramadan?

2009 marks my second year of Ramadan in the UAE. Ramadan in a Muslim country is mandatory for Muslims and has many aspects that are mandatory for all people.

So what is Ramadan you ask?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast!!! No food, no water, no gum, no smoking, no physical needs.

Ramadan is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance.
We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.

The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.

Did you know all that? I'll give you the 411 of Ramadan here in Dubai over the next few weeks.

Until then.