The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad signifying strong burning heat and dryness, especially the ground. Thus, the word Ramadan indicates the warm sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst. Spiritually, Ramadan burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.  The hearts and souls of believers are more receptive to the warnings and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, just as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. Fasting during the holy month is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include prayer and charity. To fast, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and intimate relations from dawn to sunset.

Muslims traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is by far the most anticipated moment of the day. After a sunset prayer, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, juice made from apricots is a staple at Ramadan iftars.

There is happiness at the time of iftar, or breaking the fast.  But the real source of happiness is inner peace. If our mind is peaceful, we shall be happy all the time, regardless of external conditions, but if it is disturbed or troubled in any way, we shall never be happy, no matter how good our external conditions may be. External conditions can only make us happy if our mind is peaceful. We can understand this through our own experience. For instance, even if we are in the most beautiful surroundings and have everything we need, the moment we get angry any happiness we may have disappears. This is because anger has destroyed our inner peace.

Fasting enables the believer to guard against Satan, his archenemy. It also helps him against human evil by putting the patience and perseverance gained from fasting into use with forbearance and forgiveness. Fasting helps one find inner peace.

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By Hademau Yatera