The holy month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims fast for the sake of Allah and to offer more prayers than usual. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of Allah to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the holy Qur'an were revealed, on Lailatul Qadr, to the prophet Muhammad. In the Qur'an, Allah proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you."
It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Fasting is also beneficial to health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar. The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr.
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