The following is a message from Professor Ahmed Zaky, M.D., MSc, MPH, MBA, CMQ, FASA.

The holy month of Ramadan is a major celebration for Muslims worldwide. It is the month when the holy Quran, the Muslims’ holy scripture, was presented to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) through Angel Gabriel. Muslims celebrate this month by fasting from food, drinks, and all unkind behaviors. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and lasts till sundown.

Blessed enough, Muslims are promised exponential increase in the awards for their prayers and good deeds and forgiveness from their sins during Ramadan. Furthermore, there is a specific night in the last 10 days of the month, the Night of Decree, which is the night when the Quran first descended on The Prophet (PBUH). This night has more blessings than a thousand months.

Muslims are encouraged to couple their fasting with kind behaviors and reinvigorate themselves during this holy month to become better humans for the rest of the year and the rest of their lives.