The special ceremonies connected with the Ramazan are the Tarawih Namaz and 'Itikaf (retirement). The Tarawih prayers have been described already (p. 205). Each night in Ramazan one-thirtieth part (sipara) of the Quran is recited in the Mosque. The duty of performing the 'Itikaf is a Sunnat-ul-maukadda, a very strict duty. The Mu'takif, one who makes 'Itikaf, must remain apart in a Mosque used for public services, and there meditate. Bukhari says that the Prophet made 'Itikaf the last ten days of each Ramazan, and that the practice was continued by his wives after his death. Usually a man should thus sit and meditate one of the days between the twentieth and the thirtieth of Ramazan. If his meditation is disturbed by any illegal interruption, another day should be devoted to it; but Imam Muhammad says: "The least legal time is one hour." Some theologians hold that 'Itikaf is farz-i-kifaya, that is, if one person of a community does it the obligation does not rest on the others. If, however, a person makes a vow in Ramazan, then 'Itikaf is considered wajib. 'Itikaf can be performed at any time other than the last ten days of Ramazan, but then it is only mustahab, a work of supererogation. All the sects except the Shafa'ites hold that the Mu'takif must fast. He should also make the nizzat, or intention, of performing what he is about to do. The Mu'takif must not go out of the Mosque except for obviously necessary purposes, and for making the legal wazu and ghusl (purifications). At night he may eat, drink and sleep in the Mosque: acts quite unlawful at other times. He may speak with others on religious matters, and if a man of business, he may give orders with regard to the purchase and sale of merchandize, but on no account must any goods be brought to him. It is highly meritorious for him to read the Quran in an audible voice. By such an act he becomes {250} a man of penetration, whose words are as powerful as a sharp sword.[257] When the thirty days have passed the fast is broken. This act is called Iftar, and the first day on which food is taken is called the 'Id-ul-Fitr--the 'Feast of the breaking of the fast.' On that day the Sadqa, or alms are given before the Namaz is said in the Mosque. The Sadqa of the 'Id-ul-Fitr is confined to Muslims: no other persons receive it. If any one neglects to give these alms before the Namaz is said, he will not merit so great a reward as he otherwise would. The reason assigned for this is that, unless they are given early in the day, the poor cannot refresh themselves before coming to the Mosque for the Namaz. The Sadqa are given for the good of one's own soul, for that of young children, slaves male and female--Muslim or Infidel; but not for the spiritual benefit of one's wife or elder children.