Most likely depending on the Moon sighting , Ramadan in 2012 will start tomorrow friday the 20 th of July and will continue for one month.
The start Date and finish is to be confirmed when the new moon is actually sighted since it follows the Islamic lunar calendar . Tonight taraweeh prayer start after ishaa prayer . Tomorrow Friday we will be fasting Allah willing from dawn to sunset . what a great opportunity to get closer to your creator ,to be of service to humanity since by experiencing thirst and hunder , a fasting person become more giving and more compassionate towards the less fortunate ones.
May Allah make this month of fasting full of blessing and peace for all humanity Ameen.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation of Al-Qur'an (in one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan).
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping Allah .Ramadan is the month of spiritual celebration as well as the month of discipline and self-control.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting.
Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities to spiritual good deeds , its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual during the blessed month of Ramadan upon reaching the age of puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no illnesses that would jeopardize the health such as advanced diabetic or when the women is pregnant,lactating or nursing her babies, if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns.... . The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting.
A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.
While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children are encouraged if they like to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life.
Lastly, those traveling are exempt, but must make up the days they miss. More specifically.Fasting should be also from talking bad, listening to gossip or vain talk , even if someone insult you while you are fasting , do not respond except by saying , my God ( Allah ) bear witness that I am fasting. It is the best time to be in the best manner , it is the best training for the whole year if observed and understood properly.May Allah make us observe Ramadan in the best manner .
May Allah accept our fasting solely for his sake , may Allah reconcile the hearths and soften them to be more compassionate towards humanity , towards all creation ameenRamadan Kareem happy Ramadan , may Allah accept our fasting and prayer and give us patience and wisdom .