Although fasting is a large part of Ramadan, there is so much more to the holy month than not eating while the sun is up. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to all aspects of Ramadan.
1. No food or water from sunrise to sunset.
Fasting focuses on ones self control. The timing from sunrise to sunset is the hardest part of the day and is also the workday for most people. Another reason for the timing is that the fasting occurs between the first and second to last prayer.
2. It is based off the lunar calendar.
Ramadan moves backwards each year but is consistently the ninth month in the lunar calendar. Typically it ranges from 28-30 days. This month is symbolic because it is the month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
3. Many people read the entire Quran.
The Quran, or holy book, is broken into 30 juz, or chapters. Most people read a chapter each day to make the reading manageable. This is similar to how Prophet Muhammad received the chapters.
4. Nothing in the mouth.
During the daytime, those participating in Ramadan cannot put anything in their mouths. Some examples are gum and cigarettes but they also cannot kiss or brush their teeth with toothpaste without breaking there fast. The self control involves eliminating those simple luxuries while the sun is up.
5. There are exceptions to fasting.
If somebody is elderly, sick, traveling, pregnant, or on their period it may be unhealthy to fast. These people are exempt from fasting on those days. Children are also exempt from fasting but many take steps to start preparing for it such as eliminating snacks or a meal.
6. Exempted days can be made up.
-If days have been missed for whatever reason it is best to try to make them up as soon as possible. Fasting is not meant to get in the way of a person's health, but many muslims pride themselves in participating for the full month of Ramadan.
7. If you can't fast, feed 100 people.
Fasting is difficult for many, which is why there are other ways to participate. Feeding 100 people is a sacrifice. Those 100 people should be those that are needy, hungry, and/or do not have food. It is similar to a modified renewal since people are still giving back to the community.
8. Losing your temper breaks your fast.
Ramadan is all about self control. Not losing your temper is important because to have a true fast, a person should be cleansing themselves completely. This is a time to peacefully reflect instead of lash out.
9. Charity becomes even more valued.
Charity is always important but during Ramadan the rewards are ten times greater due to the amount of time and energy it takes which can be more exhausting when fasting. Volunteering, donating money, offering help, even a simple smile is a charity.
10. Eid celebrates the accomplishments of the month and makes everything worth it.
This is a time to bring family and friends together over a meal. The celebration is similar to Christmas because people open up their homes and often exchange gifts. Eid marks the beginning of a “new year” cleansed of past sins.
The holy month of Ramadan is much more than fasting. People experience a humbling journey to renewal and personal cleansing. Not only is it a personal achievement, but also one that is shared with others, brings you closer to God, and encourages giving back to the community.
