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According to the Islamic calendar the Holy Month of Ramadan in Kuwait and all over the world comes in the ninth month and is celebrated universally throughout the Muslim world. Holy month of Ramadan holds historical significance and it is believed that it was during this month that Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the first Islamic century. The month of Ramadan in Kuwait is observed as an important part of the Festivals and events in Kuwait. During the holy month of Ramadan in Kuwait and all over the world, Muslims are abstained from eating and drinking during day till the twilight time when the muezzin calls for the fourth prayer of the day i.e. 'maghrib' . At this time Muslims are encouraged to religiously pray five times a day, devote more time to the study of the holy Quran, to meditation, and to strengthening relationships with family and friends and patching up with broken bonds. The first day or the beginning of Ramadan is dependent on the actual sighting of the new moon and it continues for approximately for a period of 29 days, till the next new crescent moon is sighted. People of all age group and gender very piously keep fast hoping to get forgiveness for their sins and in anticipation of the arrival of the festival Eid (link to Eid in Kuwait). The holy month of Ramadan is a holy period of meditation and spiritual purification. People during this period observe self constraint and a key component of its observation includes abstinence from drink, food and any kind of physical pleasure including smoking during fasting hours. During the holy month of Ramadan in Kuwait the business hours of most of the Government offices of Kuwait usually work between 10:30am to 2:00pm. For Kuwaitis the period of Ramadan is full of activities and they are very busy visiting family and friends and paying social calls to the Diwaniyas. In the evening all the family members sit together and break their fast with 'aftari'. During the month of Ramadan in Kuwait nights gain new life and vivaciousness as people stay awake until dawn meeting people. The annual address to the nation by HH the Amir, usually during the last 10 days of Ramadan is one of the major highlights of the holy month of Ramadan in Kuwait.
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