{* Above Light Blessing Humanity: Ramadan Mubarak *}

10 facts about Ramadan

1. The word Ramadan itself comes from the Arabic root
Ramad which means that which is intensely or vehemently heated by the sun. And the word Ramdhaa means the intense heat of the sun and was named such was named such because it burns the sins of the believers.

2. It is celebrated in 9^th month of the lunar calendar and it is believed that the Quran, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan.

3. Fasting during Ramadan is considered as Sawm- one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which also include faith, prayer, charity and at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in a lifetime.

4. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon or the Hilal.

5. The pre-dawn meal (before the fasting for the day starts) is called the Suhoor, while the evening meal is known as the Iftar. With the Iftar, the first food taken to break the day's fast is usually dates which is what Muhammad is believed to have taken to breakfast.

6. Ramadan is about cleansing the soul via fasting which is said to bring those observing it closer to God and to their community.

7. There is a lot of focus on charity during Ramadan (through Sadaqa (voluntary giving), or Zakat (mandatory giving)) than in any other month of the year.

8. The holiest night of the year the Night of Power, Laylat al-Qadr, when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet by God, falls during Ramadan. On this night, it is believed angels come down to Earth and that God forgives all sins.

9. During the holy month reading of the Quran is encouraged.

10. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, which heralds the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. The Fasting period spanning over a month ends with the praise of God for helping them through the previous month.