ramadan over--sharemarkets to lift, page-5

Obviously not many muslims can read english.

'purity of thought & action is important......'

so let's blow up a few humans, so much for religions!!

Prohibitions during Ramadan

Eating, and drinking are prohibited between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry/sarcastic retorts, gossip, and are meant to try to get along with each other better than normal. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities.

The Siyam can teach the believers patience and self-control. Most importantly the fast is also seen as a great sign of obedience by the believer to God. Faithful observance of the Siyam is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds, at least in part, and to help earn a place in paradise. It is also believed to be beneficial for personal conduct, that is, to help control passions and temper. The fast is also meant to provide time for meditation and to strengthen one's faith.

Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty generally do not fast. However, if puberty is delayed, fasting becomes obligatory for males and females after a certain age. People with an illness or medical condition which would make fasting dangerous to their health, and sometimes elderly people, are generally excused. For example, diabetics and nursing or pregnant women usually are not expected to fast. Observing the Ramadan fast is not allowed for menstruating women. Other individuals for whom it is usually considered acceptable not to fast are mujahideen on the battlefield, and travelers who intended to spend fewer than five days away from home. If one's condition preventing fasting is only temporary, one must make up for the days missed after the month of Ramadan is over. If one's condition is permanent or present for an extended amount of time, one may make up for the fast by feeding a needy person for every day missed.

If one does not fit into one of the exempt categories and breaks his fast out of forgetfulness, the fast is still valid. If, however, one intentionally breaks his fast, he must continue fasting for the remainder of the day but then make up for the entire day later. If one breaks the fast through consensual sexual intercourse, the trangressor must make up for the day by fasting for sixty consecutive days.