Muslim Festivals and Ceremonies — Page 19
As the Muslim calendar is a lunar one, the 29/30 days month of. Ramadhan comes eleven days earlier every year, thus it may, over a period of years, fall in different seasons, unlike the period of religious fasting observed by Christians called LENT which always falls in spring. . Purpose of fasting. Fasting is regarded as a physical, moral and spiritual discipline for the purpose of promoting righteousness. . The practice of the Holy Prophet shows that Ramadhan is particularly the month of Divine worship. Therefore abstenance from food in these days should serve as a step for concentrating on the worship of God. . Moreover, the fast places everybody, rich and poor alike, on the same level. The well-to-do experience the pangs of hunger and thirst in the same manner as their less favoured brothers and sisters so that for them hunger and privation cease to be mere expressions and become an experience shared in common. The result is that they become more symphathetic to the needs of the poor. . Fasting is also acknowledged by most medical experts as an excellent means of curing obesity and problems relating to overweight. . Fasting is believed to develop will-power and curb bodily desires and habitual self-indulgences. . Eid preparations. At the end of the month of fasting, when the new moon is sighted, a joyous surge runs through the hearts of all Muslims, young and old, in anticipation of one of the most joyful Eid festivals. . Throughout the night necessary preparations are made. The shops. are open till late at night for the shoppers. In Muslim countries the 19