Unapologetically Muslim

Fasting and the Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan kareem everyone! For those who aren't so familiar with this holy month and the concept of fasting, here is a little introduction! 

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First off, Muslims go by a Lunar calendar, so the Islamic months and year is very different than from that of the standard gregorian calendar (Jan, Feb, March, etc). 

Ramadan is the name of the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts for about 30 days. It is arguably the most significant time of year for Muslims because for every one of those 30 days, Muslims would fast–abstain from food and drink–from sunrise all the way to sunset. 

The main reason why Ramadan is so special to us is because it was the month in which the Quran, the Muslim holy book, was first revealed.

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."

[Quran 2:185]

Ramadan is also the month where the gates to paradise are opened, and the devil and its companions (jin) are chained and locked away.

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [Sahih Bukhari]

After the month of Ramadan is over, the following day is called Eid-ul-Fitr, the first of two major Muslim holidays, which celebrates the fasting of Ramadan. Muslims on Eid would wear lavish traditional clothing, offer a special prayer at mosques, and visit the houses of friends and relatives, giving them gifts and sweets. Fasting is forbidden on this day, as it is solely meant for celebration and spending time with loved ones. Muslims greet each other on this day by saying "Eid Mubarak," commonly followed by a friendly embrace.

What do Muslims typically do during Ramadan?

As mentioned already, a Muslim would fast from sunrise to sunset every day during the holy month of Ramadan. This means that he/she has to abstain from any food and drink (Yes, even water), and refrain from committing any sort of sin, especially gossiping, cursing, getting angry and yelling at others. If a person loses his temper or succumbs to eating and drinking, then his fast for that day would not be accepted.

However, there are also exceptions where a person would not be required to fast, such as being sick, travelling, or menstruating. If you are elderly, disabled, pregnant, nursing, or have a physical or mental ailment that makes it more difficult for you to fast, then you would also be exempt. 

Fasting also requires a Muslim to engage in frequent acts of worship, including performing the five daily prayers, reading and memorizing chapters from the Quran, asking for God's forgiveness and praying for the wellbeing of oneself and others.

Zakat, which is a mandatory form of charity and the third pillar of Islam, is also commonly given during Ramadan. If a Muslim is financially and mentally stable, then he/she is required to donate 2.5% of their wealth to the poor and needy. Zakat can also be distributed to a newly converted Muslim, as a way to welcome them to the religion and form a friendly community with them, but it is highly preferred to donate to someone who is in desperate need of it.