The pious month of Ramadan to begin on May 5th

Ramadan is just a few days to go… the ninth month of the year according to the lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims across the globe as a month of fasting to honour the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammad as per the Islamic belief. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.

This year the Ramadan moon is expected to be sighted on 5th of May i.e. Sunday and the month may end on 4th of June i.e. Tuesday. After a month of fasting and festivities, Ramadan culminates with Eid-ul-Fitr.

The sacred month lasts for just one month which brings an opportunity to fast and pray to Allah to seek forgiveness and people also enjoy the best cuisines. Few things to keep in mind before you start prepping for the month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, the first meal "sehri" (pre-dawn meal) is eaten before sunrise and the fast begins, for the rest of the day one cannot drink or eat anything. The day is concluded with 'iftaar' when you break your fast after the sunset and recommended to eat your meal.

Namaz is very important during Ramadan. During this month, people don't afford to miss their namaz, the Quran recitation and supplications. People are exempted from fasting if one is not well, old, menstruating and breastfeeding mother. Children above 12 years of age can also observe fast.

One of the most important aspect of fasting is niyyat, which means intention. Just fasting is not enough; one needs to have the right intention behind it. The Quran says, "Whoever observes the night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be erased."