Muslims in Ghana and around the world will today begin a special spiritual exercise that is focused on prayer, fasting, giving to charity and devotion.
Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days.
The last third of Ramadan is a particularly holy period, as it commemorates when the Koran’s (Qu’ran) first verses were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Mohammad or Muhammed).
The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink.
The month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. Gossiping and fighting are also prohibited in this period.
By: Kasapafmonline.com/Ghana
