Ninth month in the lunar Muslim calendar is marked with fasting, prayers, collective meals and Qur’an recitation. Muslims across the world try to read the holy book at least once during the holy month of Ramadan.
Collective sessions of Qur’an recitation are held in almost all mosques, holy shrines, schools and universities and in some homes. Holy shrines are one of the certain venues to host families while some smaller mosques might hold separate meetings for men or women.
Reciting the holy Qur'an is recommended in a majority of Islamic texts especially during Ramadan as the holy book says," The month of Ramadan, wherein the Koran was sent down to be a guidance to the people, and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Salvation. So let those of you, who are present at the month, fast it; and if any of you be sick, or if he be on a journey, then a number of other days; God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship for you; and that you fulfil the number, and magnify God that He has guided you, and haply you will be thankful. (chapter Baqara, verse 185)"
114 chapters in the holy book of Islam are equally divided into 30 smaller sections making it easier for Muslims to recite one section every day during the month of Ramadan; hence, fulfilling one whole reading the book during Ramadan.
The holy book of Islam, according to history of Islam, was revealed in the month of Ramadan. Muslims are recommended to read more of Qur’an during this month.
With more concentration on different activities related to the holy book, Qur’an interpretation classes are also a hub for Muslims where they discuss different analysis of verses in order to follow the recommendations in their daily lives.
However those leading quite busy lives might not be able to attend these collective Qur’an reading sessions. That has inspired the state television across Iran to cover live images of these Qur’an recitation sessions with each channel broadcasting the ceremonies at a different time so that people with different free time availability can follow their daily recitations at a time which fits their daily duties.
Fasting, Qur’an recitation, family gatherings for iftar and charity activities for the needy are among the most recommended activities in the month of Ramadan.
Collective Qur’an recitation sessions are held in different times during the day mainly before or after the prayers when people ususally say their prayers in mosques.
Participated by people from all age groups and different walks of lives, a group of youths in each neighborhood are usually in charge of organizing the ceremony; however the elder generation is among the constant participants to these religious gatherings.