Introduction – Ramzan is also called as Ramadan, and is the ninth or sacred month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of about 354 days.  The days in a lunar year are less than 11 days as compared with the solar year thus each lunar month shifts or moves 11 days every year so Muslim festivals start and end, which is based on the sighting of the new moon. The word ‘’Ramzan’’ is an Arabic word that means scorching heat or dryness and is celebrated as the month of worship (Ibadat), prayer (Namaz), Quran recitation, fasting (Roza), and charity to poor people.

Ramzan is considered one of the most sacred or holiest months for Muslims across the world. During Ramzan, Muslims honor the revelation of the holy book, the Quran, and offer fast (Roza) by avoiding food, drink, and bad habits, offering regular 5 times prayer (namaz), charity to poor people, and many more activities and making close to God (Allah). Fasting also helps in self-control, increases patience, and controls or maintains weight, which lowers the risk of several severe diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, and many more.

Ramzan is also the month of intense spiritual growth or rejuvenation or upgrading through increased devotion thus, Muslims spend more time in performing special prayers (namaz), reciting the Quran, performing fast (Roza), helping poor people, and many more activities. Ramzan is a month of spiritual reflection, blessings, increased devotions, and worship for Muslims worldwide. It is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed or introduced in the holy month of Ramzan, which is a source of true guidance or leadership for all mankind. Muslims also believed that the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven to guide individuals worldwide.

Important Practices of Ramzan – There are several important practices of Ramzan are discussed below –

1. Fasting (Roza) – The fast (Roza) starts in the early morning after Sehri or before Fajr Namaz and ends at sunset by taking delicious dishes in Iftar in Ramzan. Muslims do not eat and drink anything and offer five-time prayer (namaz) for the whole day during fasting. Fasting helps in increasing self-control, teaches humanity and sacrifice, enhances self-discipline, and cleanses the soul. During fasting (Roza), Muslims must refrain or to be restricted from speaking bad words, avoid anger and fighting with anyone, abstain from illegal activities, and also avoid having sexual relationships with their partners. Fasting is generally observed from the early morning before the Fajr Prayer (Namaz) or after Sehri to sunset after the Maghrib Prayer (Namaz). It is very interesting thing that Muslim individuals who live in the polar region follow the timings of Mecca. It is important to note that Fasting (Roza) is not compulsory for elderly individuals and also those individuals are suffering from several serious medical issues.
2. Sehri – The word ‘’Sehri’’ comes from the Persian and is also known as Sahur or Suhoor in Arabic term or word. It is the time when the meal taken by Muslims early in the morning before Fajr (Morning) prayer (namaz) is called as Sehri and is the last meal before fasting.  Sehri is very important for fasting because it provides energy and avoids weakness, which is caused by the fast. In the past several years, people were awakened by beating drums in the Sehri time while roaring on the roads and streets and that person also called as ‘’Musahrati’’ must have good health and voice. Nowadays, the latest method is setting off an alarm on mobile phones. Normally, people get up at 3:30 A.M in Sehri for fasting (Roza)
3. Iftar – The breaking of the fast at sunset by taking the meal with water is called Iftar. Iftar is an evening meal in which Muslim individuals break their fast (Roza) at the time of sunset in the holy month of Ramzan. Iftar is an Arabic word that means ‘the breaking of the fast (Roza)’ which occurs at the time of sunset after the Maghrib Prayer (Namaz). Iftar is the time of reflection and appreciation in which Muslim individuals express thankfulness to God (Allah) for the sustenance or food provided with blessings and spiritual power. During Iftar, Muslim individuals take meals with their friends and family members to break their fast. Muslim individuals break their fast with dates (Khajoor) as a custom in the holy month of Ramzan. Generally, iftar is done by eating dates (Khajoor), drinking water, pakora, sweet dish, juice, Rooh Afza sharbat, or any soft drink including tea, and coffee.
4. Zakat or Charity – Muslims must give charity (zakat) to poor people with a fixed percentage of their income in the holy month of Ramzan before the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. Zakat helps those people who are unable to celebrate the Eid festival. When they get Zakat, they also purchase new clothes and celebrate Eid with their family members. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for all Muslims to help poor people.
5. Recitation of Quran – Muslims try to recite the whole Quran in the holy month of Ramzan because the Holy Quran was revealed or introduced in the holey month of Ramzan. Thus, Muslim individuals recite the Whole Quran in the holy month of Ramzan.
6. Laylatul or Shab-e-Qadr Prayer – Laylatul Qadr is also called as ‘’Shab-e-Qadr’’ and is the holiest night in the holy month of Ramzan. Muslims believe that the last 10 days of Ramzan are on odd numbers of Ramzan nights such as the 23^rd, 25^th, 27^th, and 29^th nights of Ramadan. Muslims pray the whole night on these nights during the third Ashra of Ramzan. It is believed that Muslims are also blessed with a night (Layla-tul-Qadr) which is better than a thousand months in the holy month of Ramadan.
7. Night Prayers – A ‘’Taraweeh” is a very important night prayer for Muslims worldwide where the Quran is recited during the prayer (Namaz)in the holy month of Ramzan. Thus, Muslim individuals recite the Quran as Taraweeh for the whole night in the holy month of Ramzan.
8. Alvida Jumma – It is also called as Jumat-ul-Vida and is the last Juma (Friday) of Ramzan which marks the end of the holy month. Alvida Jumma is a very important prayer (Namaz) for Muslims and also marks the end of Ramzan.