Ramadan is the time of the year specially dedicated for prayers and other religious rituals. There are certain must-to-practice rituals for Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan. Let us see some of the common practices in Ramadan:
1. Prayer
No Muslim can abstain from the daily prayers in Ramadan. The prime focus of the observance of Ramadan is to get closer to Allah. The proper means of being in perfect relation with Allah is through prayers. Apart from the daily prayers, Muslims need to take extra effort to spend time in prayers.
2. Recital of Quran
Quran, the Holy Book, being the center of the life of Muslim, believers need to recite the Quran more vigorously during the Ramadan. Each and every good deed or religious activity is rewarded much greater than other months; thus keen recital of Quran is an inevitable ritual in Ramadan.
3. Fasting
A Muslim needs to fast from dawn to dusk. It is a must to follow practice for every healthy person in Islam. Fasting helps the follower to purify himself and grow empathic towards fellow men. After sunset, or when Al Maghreb prayer sounds, iftar, or the meal that ends the fast, is eaten right after. It is considered the big meal of the day. Usually the fast is ended with water and dates.
4. Taraweeh prayers
Taraweeh prayers are special evening prayers during the Holy month of Ramadan. These prayers are conducted post-Isha prayer. Long portions of the Quran are recited during the Taraweeh prayer.
5. Cannon firing
A unique, age-old Ramadan ritual is the Ramadan cannon. Traditionally, two cannon shots are fired to announce the start of Ramadan and the morning of Eid Al Fitr, while one shot is fired every evening as Al Maghreb prayer is about to begin, signaling iftar time. The cannon firing is practiced in most of the Arab countries.
6. Charity
Charity giving is an essential practice during the Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of love, forgiveness, compassion to the poor and reunion with Allah. Every Muslim is obliged to share his wealth with needy ones. Without charity giving the fasting and other rituals becomes less meaningful.
