Ramadan FAQ

July 29, 2011 by Patheos Editors

Continued from Page 2

Since Laylat al-Qadr could be any one of the odd nights during the last ten days of Ramadan, those are particularly good times for worship and prayer. However, concentrated prayer and worship are recommended during the entire month—not just during the last ten days.

Is there a holiday at the end of Ramadan? What do Muslims do on that holiday for fun?
The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast, and it is a very special celebration—one of two holidays for Muslims. Money is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr); everyone puts on their best (usually new) clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. Many Muslim families decorate their houses and give gifts to their children. The Eid prayer is two Raka'ahs only, and it is an optional (mustahabb) prayer as opposed to the compulsory five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.

Have more questions? Send them to Dilshad D. Ali, the Managing Editor of Patheos' Muslim Portal.

Adapted from OnePakistan, with additions made by Dilshad D. Ali.

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Ramadan

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