Ramadan Mubarak!
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. This month is considered important by Muslims for a number of reasons. They believe:
1) The Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month
Because of this, and Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur’an as they can during the month. Most mosques will recite one thirtieth of the Qur’an each night during the Taraweeh prayers.
2) The gates of Heaven are open
3) The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell
Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been blessed by Allah. They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because the devils have been chained in Hell, and so can’t tempt believers. This doesn’t mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any evil that they do comes from within themselves, without additional encouragement from Satan.
But even without the religious elements Ramadan are still inspiring occasions that non-religious people could learn from. (more…)
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