Ramadan 2007 comes to an end

I was among the the first wave of Muslims in the UK who celebrated Eid-Ul Fithr on Friday 12th October 2007 which marked the end of Ramadan Fast.

For many, Eid-Ul Fithr was on Saturday or Sunday depending upon what mosques they follow and where they are.

What is Ramadan anyway? Why do Muslims fast?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims around the world fast throughout the month as commanded by God in the holy Quran.

Fast starts at dawn and ends at dust. During the fast, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking.. They also renounce lying, back-biting, quarrel and all forms of negative activities.

They turn their attention to God, engaging in prayers and reflecting on life. They give charity to the poor and the needy.

The purpose of the fast is to learn self-discipline, to build good characteristics including patience, endurance, generosity and kindness, and above all to become God-aware and God-fearing.

The start and end of Ramadan fast is subject to the sighting of moon. So, just as the fast is started after the sighting of a new moon, the fast is also ended on the sighting of another new moon.

The end of Ramadan fast is marked by Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. Muslims say prayers the first thing in the morning, visit and, greet family and friends and have feast with them – simply enjoy the day.

That’s what Ramadan and fast is all about.