Ramadan – Islam’s holiest month – is approaching, and with it comes a whole culture that shapes the lives of Muslims across the globe. The calculations of when this month should start and end are based on the sighting of the new moon in the ninth month of the lunar calendar. As we use the Gregorian calendar internationally today, this translates into approximately an 11-day shift from year to year. During the 30 days of Ramadan, as many already know, Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. However, they also must abstain from any substance that is damaging to your health such as cigarettes, sexual contact, immoral actions and even swearing or speaking ill of other people among other things. In our modern world, Ramadan can be compared to a detoxification period where one attempts to purify one’s body and mind. The spiritual and cultural sides to this holy month are fascinating. Historically speaking, Islam was born in a region where until today times of sunset and sunrise barely change all year round. Centuries have passed and Muslims have found themselves spread out across the globe….
