Today begins the holy month of Ramadan. Gulf Times congratulates its esteemed readers on this occasion.
Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance occasion and it is the month in which the Qur’an began to be revealed.
It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach a person patience and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, to offer even more prayer than normal and ask forgiveness for the sins of your past.
It is also an occasion to ask for guidance in the future, to refrain from everyday evils and try to purify oneself through self-restraint and good deeds.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God.
The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. The holy month also allows Muslims to practise self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment, establishing a link between God and themselves by prayer, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others.
And because we live in a Muslim country, welcomed guests among non-Muslims should respect the country’s rules and principles during the holy month.
Gulf Times hopes that the holy month becomes a chance to spread tolerance among all faiths, as our great religion calls for peace and co-existence. | 
