The last ten days of the the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin with midnight prayers from Tuesday and continue up to Eid ul-Fitr, which is likely to be celebrated on 18 July in most countries.
The last ten days of the month of Ramadan are significant for Muslims, as they mark the time when the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed on the night of 'Laylat Al Qadr', also known as the 'Night of Power'.
In Saudi Arabia, Qiyam Al-Layl prayers will be held at mosques after midnight during the last ten days of Ramadan.
"The special prayers are conducted during the last 10 days of the holy month from 1 a.m," Mohammed Obaidullah, a prayer leader at Sheebani Mosque in Riyadh, was quoted as saying by Arab News.
In India, the midnight prayers will begin from Wednesday night.
Muslims across the world have been observing a strict fast since the beginning of Ramadan in June, abstaining from eating or drinking from dawn to dusk.
At the end of the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
In most countries, Eid ul-Fitr will be observed on 18 July. However, depending on moon sighting, it could also be observed on 17 July.
In India, Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated a day after.
FACTS ABOUT RAMADAN
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Observance of fasting and prayers during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Ramadan is meant to commemorate the time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed on the night of 'Laylat Al Qadr'.
- All adult, healthy Muslims observe fasting during the month of Ramadan. Women who are pregnant or menstruating, the sick and the elderly, and children who have not hit puberty, are exempt.
- People usually wish each other during the month of Ramadan with greetings such as 'Ramadan Mubarak' or 'Ramadan Kareem'.
- Ramadan ends after a period of 30 days of fasting, which is marked with the Eid ul Fitr festival.
