Ramadan - the beginning of fasting for Muslims (First Day of Ramadan)

World religions differ not only in their canons and views, but also in their unique holidays, which have a special origin and traditions associated with events preceding the appearance of these memorable days For true Muslims, one of the main holidays is Ramadan (Ramadan), which is not just one day, but an entire lunar month, during which it is customary to observe strict fasting, which brings true blessings and the opportunity for the atonement of sins to true Muslims It is one of the main pillars on which religion rests and therefore, Muslims are looking forward to this month to show the strength of their faith and love for Allah, through abstinence from pleasures and hard work on themselves - there is a reassessment of values, liberation from filth in thoughts and actions, curbing instincts, bodily and spiritual liberation Ramadan got its name in honor of the ninth month of the lunar calendar; in view of this, the holiday does not have an exact date; every year it shifts relative to the phase of the moon by 10 days For the same reason, the duration of fasting also varies between 29-30 days Only the basic rules for performing a strict fast remain unchanged, including: - abstinence from eating and water from sunrise to sunset; - abstinence from bodily pleasures, including intimacy, caresses and self-satisfaction, during which ejaculation occurred; - abstinence from smoking, consumption of alcohol and drugs; - abstaining from entertainment; - abstaining from lies, foul language, bad thoughts; - one must not skip pronouncing niyat - intentions for the upcoming day of fasting During fasting, the following is encouraged: - pronouncing the intention of the fasting person; - reading the Koran; - eating after sunset - iftar, and before dawn - suhur; - performing namaz, prayers, to which is added tarawih - voluntary prayer held between night and morning;- charity: voluntary alms - sadaqa and obligatory - zakat; - repentance The following categories of Muslims are exceptions to fasting, who must not demonstrate their freedom from abstinence: - children who have not reached puberty (for boys it coincides with the first wet dream, for girls - with the first menstruation, but no later than 15 years); pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menstruation and the postpartum period; - elderly and seriously ill people who are unable to fast (diabetics, mentally ill, people with gastrointestinal diseases and terminally ill patients); - travelers on the road or who have left home for distance more than 90 km Also, all devout Muslims who miss fasting for any reason must fast at another time, until the next month of Ramadan And if the rules were violated, then this day is not counted and must be postponed to another time, or a fine must be paid, equivalent to spending on food for one day (to feed one poor person) The heaviest punishment for sexual intercourse during the daytime is continuous fasting for 60 days, or providing food to 60 needy people The last 10 days of the month of Ramadan are the most strict - the time for diligent worship, solitude in mosques and benefactors, because it was during these days that the Prophet Muhammad discovered his destiny and the Koran was revealed