The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Ramadan, or Ramazan

RAMADAN, or Ramazan (the hot month, from Arab. ramida, to glow with heat), the ninth month of the Mohammedan year, during the whole of which a rigorous fast is commanded by the Koran, in commemoration of the first divine revelations received by the prophet. No one is allowed food or drink from sunrise until the appearance of the stars; and those who are unable to observe the ordinance on account of sickness, must fast during the month immediately succeeding their recovery. The Moslems compensate themselves for this rigor during the day by feasting at its close; and Ramadan is succeeded by three days of feasting called the little Bairam, the two corresponding to the Christian Lent and Easter. (See Bairam.)