What is ramdan (ramzan) ?

I have so many non-muslim friends who are asking about ramdan.. Here i
tried to give so little information about holy month ramdan

Ramadan is a very special time
for Muslims, but the feelings and
lessons we experience should
stay with us throughout the year.
In the Qur'an, Muslims are
commanded to fast so that they
may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an
2:183). This restraint and
devotion is especially felt during
Ramadan, but we all must strive
to make the feelings and attitudes
stay with us during our "normal"
lives. That is the true goal and test
of Ramadan.
Benefits of Ramadan:
• Through fasting, a Muslim
experiences hunger and thirst,
and sympathizes with those in
the world who have little to eat
every day.
• Through increased devotion,
Muslims feel closer to their
Creator, and recognize that
everything we have in this life is
a blessing from Him.
• Through increased charity,
Muslims develop feelings of
generosity and good-will toward
others. The Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) once said, "A
man's wealth is never diminished
by charity."
• Through self-control, a Muslim
practices good manners, good
speech, and good habits.
• Through changing routines,
Muslims have a chance to
establish more healthy lifestyle
habits -- particularly with regards
to diet and smoking.
• Through family and community
gatherings, Muslims strengthen
the bonds of brotherhood and
sisterhood, in their own
communities and throughout the
world.

May Allah accept our fasting,
forgive our sins, and guide us all
to the Straight Path. May Allah
bless us all during Ramadan, and
throughout the year, with His
forgiveness, mercy, and peace,
and bring us all closer to Him and
to each other.
Bassar

bassar@aol.in