The holy month of Ramdan started with great devotion at Bokaro on Thursday after the moon was sighted on Wednesday evening in many parts of the country.
During Ramdan Muslims keep themselves on fast which starts from before the sun rises till sunset throughout the month. A Raza, a Muslim Spiritual leader said that ‘Smoking, drinking, meat and sexual relations are forbidden during fasting. However, children, elderly, soldiers and the incurable sick are exempted. Understanding that telling of lies, slander, false oath, and betrayal are considered most offensive in Islam, during Ramdan its implications are all the more severe and destroy the goodness of fasting done in the past also, he added.
Muslims observe the Ramdan month by fasting and through increased concentration for purification of soul to increase closeness with God. Muslims usually go to the mosque and spend hours reciting The Holy Quran and also participate in a special recital session called the Taraweeh in addition to the 5 daily prayers. Fasts are traditionally broken with Seheri before sunrise and Iftaar at sunset. Muslims observe fasts during daylight hours for an entire month, said A Raza.