THE GULF WAR: The International Front : Religion: What Is Ramadan?
RAMADAN, the ninth month of the Islamic religious calendar, has been traditionally regarded as the month in which the first revelation of the Koran was made to Mohammed. Ramadan is the month of the GREAT ISLAMIC FAST, when for 28 to 30 days, from about dawn to about sunset, total abstinence from food, drink, tobacco and sex is obligatory for Muslim adults. The sick, elderly, pregnant and nursing women are excused from fasting. The holy month concludes with the feast of Eid al Fitr. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, together with the recitation of the creed, prayer, pilgrimage and almsgiving.
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