Uswa Akbar | The Monarch Ranger
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims and is marked by a period of fasting, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These Five Pillars are principles which Muslims believe are compulsory acts ordered by God. In addition to fasting, the pillars include faith, prayer, charity and making a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan falls on a different date every year, due to the cycles of the moon. In 2023, Ramadan started on the evening of Wednesday, March 22nd, and finished on the evening of Friday, April 21st. The month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts about 29 to 30 days, depending on that year's lunar cycle.
How does fasting work?
Examples of food and drink for iftar, or evening meal. Image Credit: Uswa Akbar
Muslims have an early morning meal before dawn, known as Suhoor or Sehri. They do not eat or drink anything - including water - until they break their fast after sunset. This evening meal is called Iftar or Fitoor. Fasting is only required by people in good health. Those who are sick or whose health will be affected by fasting such as children who have not reached puberty, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and menstruating women or travelers are not required to fast.
Fasting is seen as a way of purifying the body and soul, as well as expressing gratitude to God for his blessings. It is also a way of empathizing with the poor and needy, and sharing one’s wealth with them through charity.
What else do Muslims do during Ramadan?
Image of the Holy Quran. Image Credit: Uswa Akbar
Did you know Muslims believe some of the first verses of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) during the month of Ramadan? Extra emphasis is therefore placed on reciting the Quran at this time. Muslims are also encouraged to strengthen their relationship with God and show kindness and patience to others. Some believers also perform an additional night prayer, called Taraweeh, which only takes place during Ramadan.
The spiritual rewards (Thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Accordingly, during the hours of fasting Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, sexual relations and sinful behaviors.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. The name “Eid al-Fitr” translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast”. Like the beginning of Ramadan, Eid begins with the first sighting of the new moon.
Image of a woman from a village making a sweet dish called ‘ Halwa’. Image Credit: Uswa Akbar
Eid is a time of celebration, gratitude and joy for Muslims. Many Muslims will attend Eid prayers at their mosque early in the morning. It’s traditional to wear new clothes and eat something sweet before going to the mosque. Before Eid prayers, every Muslim is obliged to make a donation to charity, called Zakat al-Fitr, to help feed the poor. After the prayers, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Blessed Eid”, or “Eid Kareem”, which means “Generous Eid”. They also exchange gifts and visit family and friends.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND LEARN MORE
This article was written through the journalistic efforts of Uswa Akbar. Learn more about Uswa and our other staff writers here.
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