1. No water too
During the month of ramzaan Muslims not only refrain from eating from sunrise to sunset , they also do not drink water!
2.Lunar calendar
Ramzaan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar .Unlike the Gregorian calendar which is universally used , the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and a month begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon
3.Suhoor and Iftar
The meal Muslims take before beginning their fast is called Suhoor. It usually has sweets in the ingredients. And the meal they take after the fast is called Iftar.
4.Quran was created in Ramadan
The holy book of Muslims , the Quran is believed to have been created during the month of Ramadan. It was during this period , prophet Muhammad wrote the Quran
5. Failing to fast a punishable offence
Not observing fast during the month of Ramadan is a punishable offence in few Muslim countries.Wikipedia sites the below examples :
"In Algeria , in October 2008 the court of Biskra condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines.
In Kuwait, the penalty is a fine of no more than 100 Kuwati dinars or jail for no more than one month, or both penalties, for those seen eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan daytime.
In the UAE , eating or drinking during the daytime of Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community service.
In Kermanshah, Iran, a non Muslim was sentenced to having his lips burnt with a cigarette and 5 Muslims publicly flogged with 70 stripes for eating during Ramadan."
6. When the day is too long
Fasting during ramzaan can take upto 12-16 hours depending upon sunrise and sunset . In polar regions though day lasts very long (upto 22 hours for example) and this results in longer fasting. Also in few regions sun could be seen the entire day and Muslims need to resort to the nearest city with sunset to observe fasting (source : Wikipedia)
7. Time for charity
Ramzaan is seen as an opportunity to do more charity by Muslims . Zakat is the mandatory charity money that should be donated by every Muslim .Sadaqah is the extra charity amount a Muslim may choose to give. During the month of Ramzaan , Muslims prefer more Sadaqah as it is believed to be more rewarding if observed during Ramadan
8.Moon rise to moon set
Ramzaan was originally a pagan festival observed from moon rise to moon set. This was later adopted by Muhammed and the rules were changed from sunrise to sunset.
9. Night of power
Laylat al-Qadr or the night of power is a night during the month of Ramzan which is believed to be the night when prophet Muhammed was revealed the first verses of Quran. It is considered highly sacred by the Muslims
10. Tunjangan Hari raya, the employee bonus
An one month bonus is given to employees in few Muslim countries at the end of Ramzaan.This is known as Tunjangan Hari Raya
Eid al Fitr !, the end of Ramzan and the beginning of Shawwal
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