What happens at Ramadan?
During the 30 days of Ramadan, between sunrise and sunset, Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations. This is sacred time for worship and concentration on the Islamic faith, rather than everyday trivialities. Muslims visit the Mosque every day during Ramadan, to pray together and study the Quran (Islamic Holy Book). As well as the five daily prayers that are said throughout the year, a special prayer called the Taraweeh or Night Prayer is said during Ramadan. When the sun goes down at the end of the day the fast is broken with a meal called the iftar. After dinner, its customary to go out visiting friends and family who live nearby. During Ramadan, it s particularly abhorrent for Muslims to tell lies, slander others, denounce someone behind their back, bear false witness or covet someone else possessions. Though these things are considered offensive at all other times of the year, they are thought to undo all the good gained by fasting. On th
