Ramadan is one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar being participated by Muslims around the world. During the month, Muslim contribute in a time of fasting, praying, self reflection, and contributing to the community. This sacred month lasts about 29 to 39 days following the lunar calendar where each year it starts on a new day when the new moon arrives and goes on until the new moon comes once again going through the cycle of one full moon.
During Ramadan, fellow muslims focus on strengthening their personal faith in God, practicing self-discipline and helping the less in need.
The central practice during this month is fasting, From sunrise to sunset each day they do not eat nor drink.
“I am so impressed with the people who participate this month. It is so amazing,” said Camille McKean (12).
This is called Sawm and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting teaches self control, and patience for life itself and gratitude for what one has.
The requirements are strict in which children, elderly people, traveling in planes and those who are sick are usually not obliged to fast.
Before fasting begins, they usually have a meal before sunrise called Suhoor. Families wake up early depending on the sunrise to eat and drink before having to fast all day. Muslims break their fast with dates and water at sunset with a meal called Iftar. Eating a date and water is tradition before setting out and consuming a large meal with surrounding family members.
Freshman Adam Aoude shared, “I have fasted during Ramadan every year since I was little and it has been an amazing experience to be grateful for what I have and my family while getting closer to God.”
For many people Ramadan is about getting closer to God and understanding one’s existence rather than just being about food and water.
Muslims tend to increase their prayers and spiritual practices during this time. Muslims spend more time reading the “Qur’an,”, the holy book of Islam. Mosques hold special nightly prayers called Taraweeh. These prayers give a person an opportunity to reflect their faith and how they live their lives growing physically and spur during this holy month.
Giving back to others without concern for a return is an important aspect of Ramadan where Muslims usually donate to charity and provide for those in need and less fortunate. learning to respect one another and be grateful for all that they have in their life. Acts of volunteering and supporting the less fortunate are respected during this time not by others but by their own selves and God.
The end of Ramadan signifies the completion of the month of fasting and growth. Muslims celebrate this holiday called Eid al-Fitar, which directly translates to “Celebration of Breaking the Fast.” This day is endured with families and friends gathered to pray and feast as well as exchange gifts celebrating the month’s end.
In conclusion, Ramadan is significantly more than just the reduction of food and water but of compassion and growing spiritually as well as gratitude for their lives. Around the world, with prayer and reflection and acts of kindness, Muslims proclaim this month to strengthen their relationship with God and connect with each other.
