2. It's not only food and drinks which we're supposed to fast from. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

You May Have Heard About It, But What Exactly Is Ramadan?

There is more to it than fasting from food and drink.

503
You May Have Heard About It, But What Exactly Is Ramadan?

Many college students will be celebrating Ramadan this year. But many students don't really know what is Ramadan, or may not have heard about it. Being one of the college students that celebrate Ramadan, I would like to share with you what it is and its significance. Here are the five most important things to know about Ramadan, one of Islam's five pillars:

1. It's the month of fasting for Muslims

Everyone who is able to is required to fast from food and drink from dawn to dark, and from sexual activity. Part of the purpose of this is to understand and empathize with the less fortunate. Many people around the world can't afford a meal and go to sleep hungry. We won't go to sleep hungry, but this at least gives us a sense of the suffering some people go through. It's not easy to understand what others go through without feeling it, at least for a short while. It's a time when we're supposed to be generous and give to others as well.

2. It's not only food and drinks which we're supposed to fast from. 

We are supposed to fast or refrain from cursing and any bad behavior toward others. This practice of self-discipline is supposed to make us better people and bring us closer to our creator. We should also be more in touch with our spiritual side because worship and prayers during this month reap greater rewards. The hope is that getting into a habit of good behavior for this month will carry on throughout the rest of the year.

3. The month comes at different times each year. 

Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, where the year is about two weeks shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Ramadan goes through the seasons, each year starting two weeks earlier than the previous. The significance of that is that this affects the length of the day, so during the summer the days are longer making fasting a little harder. But it becomes easier in the shorter days of the winter. Two years ago Ramadan came during the longest days of the year, which was more challenging especially for people living in very Northern parts of the Earth. We're lucky this year that Ramadan started during the break between the spring and summer semesters, making it a little easier to start with.

4. Fasting is not as hard as others might think. 

Speaking of easier, fasting all day is surprisingly not that difficult. It might be easier for me because I started from a young age, but anyone can do it with a little practice. The first couple of days are hard, but afterward, it becomes easier. I usually feel lighter and even sometimes feel more energetic during the day when I'm fasting.

5. Fasting is good for your health.

Numerous studies have shown that fasting has many health benefits. Ranging from improving insulin resistance to helping prevent heart disease and reducing weight. Here's an article that discusses eight scientifically proven benefits of fasting. Risks are minimal for healthy people, mostly dehydration which can be avoided for the most part by drinking enough water when you're not fasting. I believe that God prescribed this for us and since God is our creator then surely He knows what's good for us. Whatever you believe in you might want to try out fasting to improve your health!


If you have any questions you can drop a comment. I would love to hear from you!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179527
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6661
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452082
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23076
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments