What is Ramadan ?

obtained from : 123greetings.com

Ramadan is the 9th month in Islamic calendar. It's also known as "Ramadan Al-Mubarak". Unlike any other months in Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a very special and a holy month because only during this month that  Muslims all over the world are fasting for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. Allah has mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185 about the specific obligatory of fasting during the month of Ramadan :

"   The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Qur'an, the guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever who is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and (wants) for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to)  which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.    "          

      - Surah Al-Baqarah : verse 185

Fasting everyday in the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The length of fasting duration per day varies for different regions of the world because the duration is from the moment of the true dawn (Fajr) until the moment when the sun set. However, Ramadan is not only about fasting, or not eating and drinking. Besides abstaining ourselves from foods and drinks, Muslims are also subjected to restrain ourselves from bad intentions, bad deeds, bad speeches, or anything relating to the earthly pleasures. 

Despite the challenges to face to stay away from eating or drinking for a period of time, fasting contributes to health benefits. Just think of our digestive system like a machine, which needs to rest after working for a very long time. What happen when we don't stop eating is that our digestive system won't get its time to rest. It has to work every time we eat or drink something. When digestive system is given a time to rest, it'll function better. Just like human, we perform better after we have enough rest. 

I believe the Almighty Allah has promised a great reward for those who fast in the holy month of Ramadan. May all of us be blessed with bountiful blessings from Allah in this holy month. Amin. 

Not too late to wish all Muslims all over the world, Ramadan Kareem ! Happy Fasting !