Q: I'm sorry this is going to sound so ignorant but I was wondering why you fast for 30 days during Ramadan. One of my friends is and I meant to ask her but I forgot and I am still curious. I am really not trying to make anyone mad I just have no idea about it all and would really appreciate some answers.
A: You don't sound ignorant at all. There's nothing wrong with asking questions about something you aren't familiar with. Well, Ramadan is the month when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). During this month, the gates to Hell are closed and Muslims can concentrate on faith and on things that truly matter...not money, our wordly problems, etc. We give up food, drink, marital relations, etc. from sunrise to sunset, all for the sake of God. By doing this, we show our resolve, faith, patience...we learn how it feels to be poor, we gain greater self-control...and God forgives our sins, large or small. It's just really a special time for Muslims and it's somewhat difficult to describe. Hope I helped anyway though.