Muslims to welcome Ramadan with tarawih prayers on Friday

Tarawih is an extra prayer performed by Muslims at night during Ramadan.

The first day of fasting will be Saturday in Turkey. There are oftentimes conflicts among Muslim countries when it comes to the exact beginning of Ramadan. The month is the ninth in the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri), established in 638 by Islam's second caliph. Ramadan is the most venerated and blessed month of the Islamic year and is seen as a holy period of spiritual reflection and purification, Today's Zaman reports. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all adults who are physically fit believers. It is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. This holy month is celebrated all over the world with great enthusiasm and joy; it is an excellent opportunity to remove all cultural and geographical obstacles that stand before the unification of all Muslims around common, sacred values. During Ramadan, believers are expected to make an effort not to give in to anger, envy, greed, lust, backbiting and gossip. They are encouraged to read the entire Quran.

In the lunar calendar, months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11- to 12-days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. A typical day in Ramadan begins with waking up at an early hour for suhur, a small pre-dawn meal. Fasting, which starts with the break of dawn, continues until iftar, the meal eaten after sunset. Though fasting is only mandatory once adolescence hits, some young children are also interested in fasting with their elders. They look forward to the excitement of the holy month of Ramadan and to breaking their fasts with their families. Pregnant women, the elderly, the ill, travelers -- provided that they make up the prescribed period of fasting later -- and children who have not reached puberty are all exempt from fasting.