Ramadan 2013 begins on July 8th. Every year the dates of Ramadan shift because of the cycle of the lunar calendar. The first full day of fasting will start on July 9th.
During Ramadan Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, drinking, sex and smoking from daybreak to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan happens during the ninth moth of the Islamic lunar calender and is determined by the appearance of the new moon. After sunset Muslims enjoy a huge shared meal with family.
"The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. On Eid ul-Fitr, morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebration among family and friends. This year Eid ul-Fitr will most probably fall on Wednesday, August 7," reported The Huffington Post.
"Ramadan elevates you spiritually," said Zainab Chami, 29, to The Detroit Free Press. "There's a spiritual reawakening. The feeling is indescribable."
"I become more patient" during Ramadan, she said. "I'm calmer, more tranquil, more serene. I feel closer to my creator. I never feel closer than I do during Ramadan."
Dr. Mansoor Qureshi from Superior Township, Michigan said to The Detroit Free Press "Every year, we want to be a better human being by the end of the month. "It's kind of like a mountain climber, moving up. We have to get a notch above."
The end of Ramadan, Eid Mubarak, is a big celebration. A popular phrase used to congratulate each other on holidays, is "Eid Mubarak" which literally means "Blessed Festival."
Eid is a great day of celebration for Muslims. Traditional celebrations include gathering with friends and family and having a big feast, wearing new clothes, giving eachother gifts and decorating their homes.
Food items for celebrating include everything from vermicelli in saffron sweet cream, curries, kebabs and biriyani.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
