Ramadan is the holy month of fasting of the Islamic faith. Beginning and ending with the crescent moon, it is considered to be the time when the Prophet Muhammed was given the revelations of the Quran as guidance for the Muslim people.
The lunar Islamic calendar is shorter than the modern Gregorian calendar. This means the month of Ramadan, which is the 9th month of the year, starts 10-12 days earlier each year and takes place in every season within a 33 year cycle.
Islam has Five Pillars - the core beliefs and practices of their faith: Profession of Faith; Prayer; Alms/Giving to Charity; Fasting (during Ramadan); Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan takes place from dawn to dusk, and focuses on strengthening one’s relationship with Allah. In addition to fasting, self-restraint from sexual activity and immoral behavior (impure/unkind thoughts, bad deeds, and vulgar words) are a focus during this time as well.
Muslims break their fast at sundown with a light meal or snack before evening prayer, after which they gather with family and friends to share in a larger community meal before bed. In the early morning, before sunrise, they wake to eat a meal of fruits (traditionally beginning with dates) and vegetables, bread, halal meats, cheeses and sweets.
Some Ramadan traditions vary from place to place. In some Muslim communities, especially in the Middle East and Northern Africa, traditional lanterns and banners are used to decorate homes and streets. And some countries have a person who will walk the streets with a drum or bells to wake people up for their pre-dawn meal. Specific foods eaten during this month can also vary from country to country.
No matter the traditions, there is an emphasis placed on prayer and worship.
To end the Ramadan fast, there is a feast “Eid al-Fitr” (Feast of Fast-Breaking) that last for three days. Depending on the community, this feast can be more elaborate than others, with new clothes, special foods, gifts, gathering with loved ones, and more. Though no matter how elaborate the celebration, it is just that…a celebration to thank Allah for the Quran and for the ability to have the self-control needed through Ramadan.
As one of the Five Pillars to the Islamic faith, observing Ramadan holds significant importance to the Muslim community, as it is a full month of dedication, perseverence, self-sacrifice, and time spent specifically to honor Allah and worship him.
This year’s dates of Ramadan started the evening of April 2, 2022 and will conclude the evening of May 1, 2022.
Traver Butcher
CEO/All Shores Consulting
Comentarios