رمضان مبارك

 Ramadan Mubarak

There will be a summary at the bottom of the post!

Every year, Muslims around the world await the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. 

What is Ramadan and when does the fasting period usually begin?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar (Islamic calendar). According to Islamic scriptures, it was the holy month of Ramadan when Allah (God) revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) in the cave of Hira through the angel Jibreel. In accordance with the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm (Arabic: Fasting), Muslims fast throughout Ramadan.

Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn (Suhur) to sunset (Iftar) and spend most of their time praying and helping those in need.

The month of Ramadan moves forward 10 or 11 days per year and gradually passes through all the seasons. A Muslim will therefore experience fasting days in the course of their life both in winter, and in summer. 

How is fasting practised in Islam?

Fasting in Islam means that Muslims don’t eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. They abstain from other things such as smoking. This is the “external” fast. However, fasting also has an “inner” dimension. During Ramadan, Muslims should avoid doing, looking at and listening to things that are bad and harmful. In addition, when Muslims are fasting, they devote themselves more intensively to the remaining acts of worship, such as prayers or reading the Quran.

Why do Muslims fast / What benefits do Muslims derive from fasting?

The Islamic view is that the fasting person’s soul is cleansed and purified and his relationship with God and his fellow human beings is strengthened. Without this, fasting remains meaningless and empty. Thus, a great benefit of the month of Ramadan is more mercy towards the poor and needy and, in addition, the attainment of a certain self-control and concentration on the essentials. Fasting sharpens the conscience and increases resilience. Muslims also enjoy the special togetherness of family and friends during the month of fasting. Ramadan offers the Muslims an opportunity to make an inner reckoning and thus make new resolutions for the coming period.

Are there people who are exempt from fasting?

Only those who can fast as prescribed in Islam without harming their health are obliged to do so. Therefore, the sick, the infirm, pregnant or menstruating people, nursing mothers, menstruating women and similar groups of people are exempt from this obligation.

What are the customs of Muslims in the month of Ramadan?

Breaking the fast is usually done with a date and/or a glass of water while saying a short prayer, then the evening prayer is performed (Maghrib). Only then is the actual food eaten. It’s customary to read the entire Quran during the month of fasting. Mutual visits and invitations to break the fast are the order of the day. Breaking the fast together also often takes place in the respective mosque communities, where food is sometimes even served every day during Ramadan.

Are there special events in the month of Ramadan?

There are special prayers, called Tarawih, which are performed in the mosques or at home some time after sunset. On Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power/Destiny), Muslims commemorate the night on which the first passages of the Quran are revealed to the Prophet Muhammed by God. It’s also customary for Muslims to donate a lot during this month and also to calculate and pay their zakat tax (charity).

How can I support a fasting friend?

• Educate yourself. It's understandable to have questions but you have to be respectful without undermining the importance of fasting to your friend's faith.
• You don't have to share all your opinions. Acknowledge and respect that fasting during Ramadan is a deeply meaningful religious practice for Muslims. Don't share your opinions on diets or healthy lifestyles as this has nothing to do with the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
• Remember that your fasting friend may have daily routines during Ramadan. Be considerate when making plans and ask them without making decisions first.
• Be mindful if you need to eat or drink in front of your fasting friend during the daytime. Consider finding a private place to avoid making their fasting experience more challenging.
• As togetherness is part of Ramadan, you can show support by including your fasting friend in activities and gatherings.
  

SUMMARY:

• Every year, Muslims anticipate the sighting of the crescent moon which signals the start of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. 
• During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as part of the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm (Arabic: Fasting). 
• During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat, drink or smoke from dawn to sunset. Muslims have to avoid harmful behaviours and prioritise fostering spiritual purification and self-discipline.
• There are special prayers, called Tarawih, which are performed in the mosques or at home some time after sunset.
• Muslims engage in increased charity and recitation of the Quran. 
• Support for fasting friends involves understanding, respect, and consideration for their religious practises and routines.

Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you a blessed and happy Ramadan!

The Inclusivity Group