It has recently occurred to me that most non-Muslim Americans are aware of the fact that millions of Muslims around the world celebrate something called “Ramadan” each year. I was refreshed to hear a classmate the other night ask me if I was ready for my yearly fast! I am thankful for the simple fact that a smaller percentage of people are in the dark when it comes to Islamic traditions, let alone it’s powerful meaning to the Muslim world, but I think that acknowledgment is a great start, Alhamdulilah!
But then I wondered if most people know the significance of our holy month, or is 75% of the worlds population just under the impression that Muslims like to starve themselves for 4 weeks straight out of the year? (As my neighbor once put it). With no water or food breaks in between? Medically speaking, it would not be possible to last that long when even the healthiest person can last without food for up to eight weeks as long as he drinks water). Sorry to disappoint, but we do not turn into camels during this month, nor do we hibernate like bears… our bodies are made exactly the way yours are :)
I am often asked, “Is Ramadan some kind of bowel cleansing ritual?” or “Does this have to do with Ghandi?” Although, fasting does cleanse the colon of toxins pretty well, it is not done specifically for that reason. And Ghandi, well that was another story. I know the Muslim world may seem a little confusing at times in the eyes of Americans who have never heard of our traditions, with women covering from head to toe and our men wearing “Jesus” shoes with long dresses (which I think is pretty manly, I mean look at Fred Flinstone), but I can completely understand your struggles. All you have to do is ask and we will tell. Yes, we will even answer the weird questions, it would be our honor to correct any type of misunderstanding :)
I realized there are still some that are confused about exactly why we fast in the holy month of Ramadan, so I decided to refresh the memories of all of the fasters out there and introduce a new concept to non-fasters in this note so that we could understand each other’s worlds better. I mean, it is only fair. No offense, but I grew up learning all about how a heavy-set man illogically squeezed his way down chimneys in the homes of millions in one night, and how a little boy made a dradle out of clay; But never did anyone want to know why I looked so pale with a cold stare at the lunch table in elementary school…maybe you thought i just forgot my lunchable? Why didn’t you offer me your snack pack?
Not to worry, I have no resentment, I am only kidding ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQXh20OuhIc&feature=channel
An intro to Ramadan for those who want to learn more, In case you already didn’t know…
As most of you know, Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam! The month of Ramadan is when it is believed the Holy Quran “was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation”.
This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Islam goes by the lunar calendar – that means, each month begins with the sighting of the New Moon. Because the Lunar calendar is some days shorter than the Solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays move each year.
Ramadan is the time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of contemplation and worship.
During the ‘Fast of Ramadan’ strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. One is not allowed food, water, and most importantly, coffee, tea, or cigarettes from dawn to dusk. Sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the ‘iftar’. After the ‘iftar’ meal it is customary for Muslims to go out, visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.
According to the Holy Quran, one may eat and drink at any time during the night “until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight – then keep the fast until night”.
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things: the telling of a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, greed or covetousness. These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the ‘Fast of Ramadan’.
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the usual five daily prayers, during Ramadan, Muslims recite an additional special prayer called the Taraweeh (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2 – 3 times as long as the regular daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the night in prayer.
On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night, Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran.
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated with a three day holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the ‘Feast of Fast Breaking’). Then, gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray together, and for large meals. In some towns fairs will be held to celebrate the end of the ‘Fast of Ramadan’. You may see us in vast groups gathered in the Dorton Arena at this time (the Pringle- shaped building off Hillsborough street in Raleigh).
The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, feasting, worship and prayer. It is a time for contemplation, spirituality and brotherhood. For many Christians, the season of Lent typically includes some kind of fasting. These fasts usually take the form of abstaining from all food throughout a given 24-hour period or certain kinds of food for the duration of the forty-day season. In place of a food fast, some Christians commit to give up a pleasurable activity or dedicate themselves to charitable giving. Focus on prayer and devotions are also especially emphasized during Lent. Doesn’t sound that different, right?
May this Ramadan be one we benefit fully from and whereby we increase in emaan and taqwa, ameen! And if anyone has any questions, thoughts, or concerns about our blessed Month, please do not hesitate to ask!
The change in the breath of the mouth of him who fasts is better in Allah’s estimation than the smell of musk
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” (Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Duaa
May our acts of worship multiply abundantly ameen. May we increase in righteous actions, and do good deeds sincerely for Allah Alone, ameen.
May our character become beautified, may our hearts become connected upon this haqq and we fulfill each others rights with happiness, ameen.
May we be saved from the punishment of the fire, and enter Paradise, ameen. May Allah forgive us of our sins and have mercy on us all, ameen.
Please also remember to make Dua for all our Muslim brothers and sisters facing difficulty around the world and the ones in our community. Iftaar time is the best time for your Dua’s to be accepted. Don’t count how many different savouries & cakes are on the table, but count your blessings for all the favours Allah’Tala has given you and think how the destitute are struggling around the world tonight and every night.
