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Before delving into the basic philosophy of the month, let us see when is Ramadan 2012? Ramadan falls between July 21st and August 19th, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. However, an important issue here is the sighting of the new moon. Ramadan always begins and ends with seeing the crescent or the new moon. But the moon, after rising in the East will take almost a day to go across the globe to the western world. Logically then, the date of Ramadan should vary across the globe. But in reality it is not so. Though a part of the Muslim population does take the physical sighting into account, the timing at Saudi Arabia is the benchmark. Many tenets of Islam are followed as per the timings in that country as the holy city of Mecca is situated there. The dates of Ramadan get advanced each year. Hence the dates of Ramadan 2012 are prior to the dates of Ramadan 2012 as per the English calendar. This is because the total number of days in the Islamic calendar is less than that of the 365 days in the solar calendar. Since Ramadan always is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar the period gets changed every year. The main part of Ramadan is fasting, considered as one of the five pillars of Islam. But fasting is not confined to not eating only. It is a time for atonement of past sins and seeking forgiveness from the Almighty. It is also an occasion for prayers at frequent intervals and remembering Him always. Inner peace is required and the basic characteristics or emotions of man like jealousy, anger and lust is kept at bay. All luxuries are sacrificed and the time is devoted to God only. It is said that the gates of heaven are always kept opened during this phase for the devout Muslim. Allah’s mercy is asked for and received. But there is no clemency for the Muslim who is in good health and does not fast for even one day. A terrible curse is sure to befall him. Ramadan is so significant in the lives of all Muslims that it is said to rest on three out of five pillars of Islam. Apart from fasting, the other two pillars are regular and daily prayers and donating a part of personal wealth to charity. Thus Ramadan symbolizes discipline and self sacrifice too. Mass feeding of the poor and underprivileged is taken up. It is another aspect of assistance to the poor so that he too can partake of the festivities and be at peace. Ramadan 2012 is almost here. After a month of rigors, the world will explode into unbridled joy and festivities in honor of Allah. For more information, visit Ramadan 2012.
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