Ramadan

Steve Love

Reading — Advanced Level
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Activity

Read the article and select the correct answer to the questions below


Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29 or 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.

The word 'Ramadan' comes from the Arabic root 'ramida' or 'ar-ramad', which means 'scorching heat' or 'dryness'. Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, traveling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting. Food and drink is served daily, before dawn and after sunset. Spiritual rewards for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of prayers and recitation of the Quran.
  1. Which month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan?

  2. Which of the following is true about Ramadan?

  3. What is related to the origins of the word 'Ramadan'?

  4. Which of the following does NOT have to be avoided during Ramadan?

  5. What is increased during the month of Ramadan?

Discussion

Practice your writing skills by discussing the questions below

  1. What other religious rituals do you know?

  2. Do you think it's important to celebrate religious or cultural traditions? Why or why not?

  3. What pilgrimage sites do you know? Have you ever visited or would like to visit any of them?

    Steve Love

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