Ramadan is also known as Ramzan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar starting from Moharram, Safar, Rabiul Awwal, Rabius Sami, Jamadiul Awwal, Jamadus Sami, Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan. The other three-month being Shawwal, Zidat, and Zilhijja.  Ramadan is observed as the month of fasting, praying, and doing good things for 29 or 30 days. It is a very important month for Muslims due to Quaran’s first revelation to Mohammad (A.S), the prophet. Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, worship, blessings, and increased devotions.  Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan that is a source of true guidance for all mankind.

The holy month of Ramadan is divided into three parts are as given below –

• Rahmat – “Mercy of Allah’’
• Maghfirat – ‘’Forgiveness of Allah’’
• Nijaat – ‘’Salvation’’

The first 10 days of Ramadan represent the mercy of Almighty Allah, the next 10 days signify forgiveness of Almighty Allah, finally, the last 10 days represent safety from the Hellfire. So, Ramadan is known as a month of forgiveness and mercy. Ramadan also allows for all the devotees to be saved from the Hellfire. In the month of Ramadan, a Muslim is also blessed with a night (Laila-tul-Qadr) that is better than a thousand months.

The source of the word ‘’Ramzan” is the Arabic root ‘’RMZ’’ or ‘’RMD” meaning intensely hot, and blazing, or glowing. In the Persian language, it is called Ramazan and in Arabic, it is known as Ramadan.

Important practices – There are some of the important practices in Ramadan are as given below –

• Sehri – The word ‘’Sehri’’ comes from Persian and is also known as Sahur or Suhoor in Arabic word. It is the meal taken by Muslims early in the morning before fasting is known as Sehri. This meal is taken before Fajr (Morning) prayer and is the last meal before fasting.  Sehri is very important because It avoids weakness caused by the fast. In the past, people were awakened by beating drums while roaring on the roads and streets. The man is known as ‘’Musahrati’’ must have good health and voice. Now, the modern method is setting off an alarm in mobile phones. Generally, people get up at 3:30 A.M in sehri.
• Fasting – The fast begins at early morning after sehri and ends at sunset. During fast avoid eating and drinking. In addition, Muslims must abstain from wrongful deeds and even sexual relationships. It is believed that fasting teaches self-discipline, self-control, and sacrifice. It cleanses the soul. Generally, fasting is observed from dawn to sunset, but Muslims who live in the polar region, observe the timings of Mecca. Fasting is not obligatory for elderly people or people with medical problems.
• Iftar – The opening of fast at sunset by taking the meal with water is called Iftar. Generally, iftar is done by eating dales (Khajoor), taking water, juice, pakora, or any soft drink.
• Night Prayers – ‘’Taraweeh” is an extra night prayer where Quran is recited during prayer (Namaz)in the month of Ramadan
• Recitation of Quran – Generally, Muslims try to recite the whole Quran during Ramadan.
• Laylatul Qadr Prayer – The holiest night during the month of Ramadan is called ‘’Layla Tul qadr’’. It is believed that the last 10 days of Ramzan on odd numbers nights. Generally, it is believed to occur on 23^rd to 29^th night of Ramzan. Muslims pray the whole night on these days.
• Zakat or Charity – The believers is required to give the poor a fixed percentage of their income. Thus, as per Muslims, Ramadan teaches them of self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, empathy for those who are less fortunate.