09-17-2006, 07:30 AM
Hello Everyone. My name is Laura and I have a few questions about Ramadan. If it is okay, then I was wondering if you could all help me to understand a few things better. I have been studying Islam for only a few months and it all seems very complex to me.
I thought I understood that Ramadan was the month of October, but after viewing the replies, I see that it might only be a week away and that it is on the cycle of the moon? Do I understand that correctly?
For fasting, as I understand it.... Fasting occurs between sunup and sundown? Is that correct? Is there a special diet involved?
This is my first posting on your message board, and I might not be posting my next question in the right place, but I have to start somewhere.
Zakat is collected at the end of Ramadan, which represents the yearly alms giving? The 2.5% given is not only from money but can be given in the form of livestock, property, or material and living goods? Is that correct? And can it be given directly to a person in need, or does it have to go through charities?
Please correct me on anything that I say, or elaborate to help me better understand.
Thank you!!