For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is the holiest period of the year since it is said that at this time, the angel Gabriel gave the Prophet Muhammad his first revelation of the Qur'an (PBUH). As a result, it is a particularly holy month that all Muslims are required to observe.

Muslims are required to abide by rigorous guidelines throughout Ramadan. Whether you are new to the Muslim community you are just wondering about what Muslims are required to do throughout Ramadan, here are some facts of Ramadan that you might not know.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS RAMADAN?

It is vital to understand what Ramadan is in order to comprehend its regulations. As was previously said, it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad received the Qur'an and the words of Allah (SWT) for the first time during the month of Ramadan (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) received revelations on Ramadan in the years that followed through the fourth pillar of Islam, known as Sawm. Every Muslim should observe Sawm because the five pillars of Islam are the fundamental principles that all Muslims must uphold. Sawm, which translates to "to fast" in English, refers to the holy month of Ramadan.

WHEN IS RAMADAN OBSERVED?

When it is observed is the first rule of Ramadan. The dates of Ramadan vary by around 10 days annually in the Gregorian calendar since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Muslims usually start Ramadan from the sighting of the ninth new moon of the lunar year to the sighting of the tenth new moon of the lunar year, notwithstanding the fluctuation in the dates.

WHAT CAN’T YOU DO DURING RAMADAN?

As was previously stated, Ramadan is observed to fulfil Sawm, the fourth pillar of Islam. This implies that throughout the holy month, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink in the daylight. Muslims might purify their mind and spirit by refraining from immoral deeds and ideas. Ramadan eating restrictions give you a lot more time to focus on being sympathetic to those who are less fortunate, recite to Qur’an and strengthen your bond with Allah (SWT). Although this is likely the most important aspect of Ramadan, there are several other items that should be avoided, such as swearing, lying, fighting, arguing and sexual activity.

WHO CAN BE EXCUSED FROM FASTING?

While Ramadan is an important component of Islam, some people may not be able to participate. As a result, there is a list of those who are excused from fasting physically: elderly people, people who are frail, those who are of poor health or who are on medication to treat a medical condition, pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, women during menstruation and travelling individuals.

If a person is unable to make up the fast throughout the Ramadan, they need to pay in the form of a charitable donation or make up it later.

Reference: https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/ramadan-rules/