Ramadan is the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar and occurs about 11 days earlier every Gregorian year.

The month holds special importance since the Quran, the Holy Book of the Muslims, was first revealed to the Prophet during Ramadan. Furthermore, fasting is recognised by Muslims around the world as one of the 5 pillars of Islam; the others being faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage.

The phrase used to greet during Ramadan, is ‘Ramadan Kareem’ meaning ‘Ramadan is generous’.

The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic root word ‘Ramida’ meaning ‘scorched heat’ or ‘parched thirst’.

Geeta Chhabra