Ramazan is the ninth month of Islamic Calendar. As per guidance in the above quoted Quranic verse, muslims around the world observe month long fasts in Ramazan.

Those who observe Fast will have light breakfast (Sahar) about two hours before sunrise. Thereafter they will not consume any food, fruit, snacks, liquids or water till sunset. Even medicine is not taken orally or through other processes like transfusion and injection. In an emergency, if any internal medicament becomes necessary, the fast is discontinued to facilitate internal administration of drugs. Smoking tobacco, narcotics or objects of food value or intoxicant is forbidden. The purpose of Fasting is to keep the body starved of food and water.

During fasting time people keep engaged in their routine vocations. The peasants working in the fields under the blazing sun or rain, the labourers working under physically adverse conditions and others engaged in strenuous jobs are not exempt from Ramazan fasting. Even the soldiers fighting in the battle field are not exempted from this fasting. Incidentally, "Badr", the first battle of Islam was fought by Prophet Mohamed and his followers in the face of heavy odds during Ramazan Fasting.

At sunset men gather in mosques with choice food, fruits and sweets brought from their homes to break the Fast. Even those who may have not brought any eatable are welcome to join the collective Fast Breaking Ritual (Iftar). The announcement of 'Bismillah' by the Muazzin immediately after sunset heralds the time to break the Fast. It is an exciting sight to see the hungry people relishing the food. Anyone can pickup morsels from any dish of his choice. It is a fine representation of camaraderie that brings together men of diverse social strata. Children also participate in this ritual. All women break their fasts at home. The men who may not reach mosque at appropriate time break their fasts at home or workplace. The pangs of hunger can be experienced by those who Fast.

The sick, seriously wounded, those in the journey and women in periods are exempt from fasting. It is not binding on children. But some parents coax their children to practice fasting for a few days during the month. Some children observe fasts for the entire month. Except children, all others who are granted exemption must observe Fasts after the month of Ramazan for the lost number of fasting days. Due to some reason if a person cannot observe Fasts he / she must compensate by feeding one poor person for the lost number of fasting days. However, fasting oneself is preferred.

Special prayers called "Taraweeh" are conducted at night in all the mosques. This Taraweeh prayer is quite lengthy and strenuous after the day's vocational labour and fasting. People participate in it with tremendous zeal.

The night of 27th Ramazan is called "Laila-tul Qadr" (night of destiny). "Inna Anzalnahu fee Laila-tul Qadr". It is during this night that the revelation of Quran commenced. Qur'an, consisting of 6,666 verses was revealed by Allah to prophet Mohammed (S.A.) part by part over a period of 23 years and was concluded thus : "Al Yoma Akmaltu lakum deenukum wa atmamtu alaikum niamati wa radeetu lakumul Islama deena" (this day I have completed for you, your religion and bestowed all My bounties upon you and I like the religion of Islam for you). Since the Qur'an guides mankind onto the path of righteousness and its revelation commenced on this night it is called "Laila-tul Qadr" (night of destiny). Muslims keep awake that night and offer extra prayers, recite Qur'an and engage in Zikr and meditation.

Some persons segregate themselves in their homes or mosques for a few days during this month and do not interact by speech or act with others, including their kin and family. It is called "Itikaf".

Last Friday of the month is known as "Jumaa-tul Vida". People congregate in large number in mosques and offer Salat (Namaz) and pray for peace and prosperity for entire mankind.

At sunset on 29th and 30th Ramazan Muslims look eagerly for the new moon to determine the date for celebration of festival. The festival is known as Eid-ul-Fitr. It falls on the 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic Calendar.

Before going to Eidgah for Eid prayer, Muslims offer Sadqa-e-Fitr (alms) on behalf of each member of their family at the rate of 2.25 Kg per head , good variety of grain (Wheat) or its cost in cash to the poor people.

If due, eligible people disburse Zakaat (annual financial grant) to the poor people, an amount equivalent to 2.5% of their surplus wealth.

After Eid Prayer people greet "Eid Mubarak" to each other by handshake and embraces. They visit each other's residence to greet their kin and friends. Delicious meals are offered at each house. If fully satiated before the visit, as a gesture of acceptance of food, visitors sip a bit of "Sheer Khurma" in the households they visit. Muslims greet their non- muslim friends on this happy occasion and invite them for festive meals at their homes. Some muslims collectively arrange Eid-Milan gatherings for their muslim and non-muslim friends.

Fasting is prescribed in all religions. Adam used to observe fasts on 13th, 14th and 15th of every month. Prophet Noah used to fast every day, David on alternate days and Jesus every third day throughout their lives. Prophet Mohammed observed fasts very often apart from the prescribed ones. Fasting is resorted to, by the divines for spiritual elation and achievement of lofty objectives. Scriptures were revealed by the benevolent God to His prophets mostly during their fasting periods.

One month fasting after eleven months of nourishing the body with all sorts of foods helps correct the adverse health problems and tones up the physical, physiological and spiritual systems. Fasting reduces Obesity, corrects Blood Pressure and eliminates many ailments from the body. Mentally a fasting person gets alert, feels youthful and energetic. The person gets spiritual oriented. Ramazan Fasting is the Annual Overhaul of the Body, the Mind and the Heart