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Holy Month Ramadan commences after the crescent of the new moon is sighted and is keenly observed by devout Muslims all around the world.

The worldwide Muslim population is estimated to be somewhere in the region of 1.3 to 1.5 billion, with approximately 56 Muslim countries across the globe. This September is an important and holy month for Muslims everywhere. Whether you are a business traveller, tourist, or cultural aficionado, First Class provides you with a unique sight into this austere period of introspection, festivity and celebrations across the Islamic world.

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is keenly observed by devout Muslims across the world. The word Ramadan, was derived from the Arabic root ‘ramida' or ‘ar-ramad', which translates into intense, scorching heat.

Ramadan is also referred to as Ramazan in Iran and Turkey, and Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent. A significant degree of religious adherence and patience emerges during this sacred time.

As the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, this highly-anticipated month commences after the crescent of the new moon is sighted, together with some astronomical calculations. This practice usually varies in different places; some countries prefer to mainly depend on new moon sightings, while others lean towards calculations or a combination thereof.

In the emirates, Ramadan begins based on announcements by the UAE Moonsighting Committee. But in the US, for instance, most communities follow the decision of the Islamic Society of North America.

The observance of this highly venerated month is one of the five pillars (duties) of Islam, along with praying five times a day, giving alms to the poor, undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (if affordable), and recognising no other deity than God, with Mohammed (PBUH) as his prophet.

Fasting is closely associated with Ramadan, in which Muslims abstain from consuming food and liquids from dawn (at the time of the Al Fajr prayers) to dusk (Al Maghrib prayers). During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from smoking and marital sex, in addition to eating and drinking.

The day begins with a pre-fast meal before dawn called Suhoor, and ends with another meal to break the fast after sunset, called Iftar.

By Islam's canons, fasting is mandatory and is required to be practiced by all adult Muslims. Although it is not obligatory for children, they are encouraged to fast as much as possible. There are exceptions to fasting - sick, elderly people, pregnant women and nursing mothers can postpone their fast and embark on one at a more convenient time.

Despite being an important aspect of Ramadan, fasting carries far immense connotations than merely abstaining. It lays claim to a spectrum of dimensions and this month orients all Islamic believers to balance the various dimensions of their existence - the physical, spiritual and social.

It is a period for reflection, forgiveness, generosity and goodwill towards others. While fasting is an integral part of Ramadan, most Muslims also regard this as a period for a comprehensive spiritual overhaul.

Fasting involves shifting focus from worldly activities and pleasures while purity of thought and action gain importance. As fasting involves disciplining daily desires and cultivating community camaraderie, it is regarded as an atoning of sins and helps Muslims to purify their minds, bodies and souls.

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