The month of Ramadan also known as "month of the Qur'an' starts on the ninth month of the Islamic calender and there are several reasons why it is considered important i.e.,the Qur'an' was first revealed during this month,the gates of Heaven are open and the gates of the Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.
Ramadan is a month where believers learn to exercise self control.The major facet of this is the self-discipline from food and drink that is prescribed to all healthy Muslims during the hours of sunrise to sunset,although the sick and pregnant women are exempt.This fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.Fasting reminds people of the poor and how it feels to be hungry.If they can avoid things which are good for them,think how easier it will be to avoid things which are bad for them.
After sunset each day ,the fast is broken by a meal, called the "Iftar".Often people invite friends over for the Iftar.During Ramadan you can find large tents which fill up with people once the Iftar fest starts each evening.You will find not only Muslims in these special Ramadan tents as people from all nationalities and all religions are invited to join the special festivities during the Ramadan period.
A Ramadan Story for Children -"The Sweetest Sound"
Once there was a King of Persia who liked riddles.He particularly liked to ask to his four advisors.Sometimes the king knew the answer.Sometimes he didn't.
One day just before the beginning of Ramadan, the King asked his advisors, "What is the sweetest sound?"
The first advisor said,"Oh,Your Majesty,that is such a simple riddle.The sweetest sound is the sound of flute."
The second advisor disagreed."Yes,the sound of a flute is sweet .But the sweetest sound is the sound of a harp."
The third advisor shook his head and declared,"The flute and the harp do make sweet sounds .However,I have heard a violin.And that is by far,the sweetest sound."
The king looked at his fourth advisor who merely smiled.The King nodded at him saying,"Hmm,It looks as if my fourth advisor is not yet ready to give his answer.I'll wait until he is ready. "
Days passed.The month of Ramadan started.The King stopped asking riddles and spent more time in prayer,as is the custom during Ramadan.
The fourth advisor invited the King and the other three advisors over for the Iftar one evening.When the King and the three advisors arrived ,they were quite surprised .The fourth advisor ushered them into the dining room,but there were no food on the table,just empty plates and silverware.Nor they could smell any cooking smells from the kitchen.They looked each other.
Just then a man came in playing the flute.It was a sweet sound.
He was followed by a man playing the harp,then by another playing violin.Finally,the three musicians played together,beautiful,intricate music,which was also somewhat loud.That was just as well, because all their stomachs were growling.
Finally,one of the kitchen servants came in carrying a simple pot and a ladle.As the ladle,brimming with stew,hit the first plate ,the King smiled broadly and said,"Yes,yes,my fourth advisor.You are right.The sweetest sound is the sound of silverware hitting a plate when you are hungry.As the proverb says,the most delicious meal is the meal that you eat when you are hungry."
