In the faith of Islam, there are 12 months as follows; Muharram, Safar, Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rabi-uthani, Jamaad-ul-ulaa, Jamaad-ul-ukhra, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zul Qadah, and Zul Hijjah. Of these 12 Islamic months, the following four are sacred: Muharram, Rajab, Zul Qadah, and Zul Hijjah. This is due to the prohibition to initiate violence in such months.

Ramadan is a month of mercy, the sanctity of which is given preference over the rest of the months. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, meaning that the Hijri calendar is slightly shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Ramadan falls slightly earlier each year. In northern latitudes, the fast sometimes tends to be longer than in equatorial regions, as it’s a dawn-till-dusk fast.

This practical guide is an ideal manual for those who follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. You will discover the reality and understand the ninth lunar month, Ramadan, where Muslims all over the world fast for a whole month from before sunrise up until sunset. After sunset, on each day, Muslims are permitted to eat and drink until the next morning before sunrise, where they partake in the blessing enriched predawn meal, and this is a practice of the respected holy prophet Muhammad (SAW). By such blessed imitation, Muslims are following prophetic practice.