Saudi ArabiaRamadan: History, Places and Meaning of the Most Important Feast of Islamic Culture
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, represents the holiest period for followers of Islam around the world. It is a time of intense spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer and communal living of faith. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and other bodily pleasures from dawn to dusk to purify their souls, practice self-discipline and deepen their faith. This special month commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. Mosques around the world fill with worshippers who gather for special tarawih prayers, and an atmosphere of spirituality pervades entire Muslim communities. Learning about the history, traditions and significance of Ramadan provides a better understanding of one of Islam's most important religious practices and the role of holy sites, which become the center of spiritual life for more than 1.8 billion Muslims during this period.