|
 Ramadan（斋月）is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.
The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran
（《古兰经》）"was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of
direction, and a means of Salvation"
It is during this month that Muslims fast（斋戒）. It is called the Fast of
Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims
concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their
everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily
lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight
hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At
the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the
iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to
go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next
morning.
According to the Holy Quran:
One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can
plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight:
then keep the fast until night"
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five
things:
--the telling of a lie
--slander
--denouncing someone behind
his back
--a false oath
--greed or covetousness
 These are considered offensive at all times, but are
most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque
清真寺) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition
to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer
called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is
usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the
entire night in prayer.
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the
Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night
Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to
the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the
following year.
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal 回历的十月) it is
celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of
Fast Breaking开斋节). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray
in congregation（圣会） and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to
celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
| 
