Muslims throughout the world are ready to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Friday evening, May 26. Millions of Muslims offered their first special evening Ramadan prayer called Tarawih Friday, which will then continue throughout the holy month.
Ramadan is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers are surrounded by angels, the gates of heaven are open, and Allah's blessings and mercy are abundant. But it is also a time of great excitement, filling the cities events calendar with jubilant festivities bringing the city to life when the sun goes down, Daily Sabah writes.
Fasting, held from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, is one of the Five Pillars [fundamental religious duties] of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. There is also a holy night called Laylat al-Qadr, which means 'Night of Power,' when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims are instructed to seek the Night of Power during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd numbered nights.
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on sighting of the moon on the 29th night of Ramadan, on Saturday June 24.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate breaking their fast with the three-day festival of Eid al-Fitr, but holidays differ by country, Al Jazeera writes.
