By Hiba Hamed
Historically, Ramadan celebrates the date in 610CE, during which, according to Islamic tradition, the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak are often spoken and said during the holy month to share blessings and greetings. Muslims worldwide are called to renew their spiritual commitment through daily fasting, acts of charity and prayer. Ramadan is more than just fasting with abstaining from food and drink. Ramadan is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and self-sacrifice. Interestingly, non-Muslims have also practiced intermittent fasting with a cycle of eating and fasting. So come on, get some medjool dates, lights, garlands, lanterns and decorate your home to feel spiritually the blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by practicing Muslims all over the world. It is a month of reflection, closeness to God, the recitation of the Holy Quran, fasting to feel for the needy, and maintaining a good respectful character. Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars (see below for more details) in Islam that is practiced annually for a full month. The practice of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is not to eat nor drink from sunrise to sunset, where you can break your fast (iftar). Not to hesitate or anything, but Muslims are able to also have a light breakfast (suhr) pre-dawn, to eat before starting the day. The holy month lasts 29 or so days depending on the year. The festivity of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.
There are those who are exempt from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan: due to ladies’ menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and/or medical or physical related complications. However, those days missed are compensated through giving to charity even if it’s to provide bread or food to the needy.
Refresher of the Five Pillars of Islam:
1) Prayer (salaat)- Ritual of prayer five times per day.
2) Faith (shahada)- Declaration of faith in one God (Allah), and his messenger, Prophet Mohammed ﷺ.
3) Almsgiving (zakat)- Portion of wealth must be given to those in need on a yearly basis.
4) Fasting (sawm)- Act of fasting and not eating during the holy month of Ramadan.
5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)- Sacred pilgrimage to Mecca required at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime if it is within their physical capabilities and means.
Eid al-Fitr-Feast of Fast-Breaking
End of Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar. The other Eid is called Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of Hajj or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated differently worldwide. Eid is traditionally celebrated within a span of one to three days, during which children, youth and adults wear new clothes, bake special pastries and exchange gifts. Moreover, Muslims visit the graves of relatives and congregate for meals and prayer time.
Activity- How to Make a Paper Lantern:
Check out how to make a traditional paper lantern with friends and family. Kids will especially enjoy it. Decorations and setting up a prayer area in the house for Ramadan will make you feel the Ramadan vibes and a relaxing atmosphere.
Celebrations come in different shapes, forms, and colors regardless of religion, culture, or faith. If you are experiencing loneliness and isolation during the Holy Month of Ramadan, invite a close neighbor or close friend over for iftar; you may even invite them to pray with you at your local masjid. Remember, you are not alone; Allah is always there.
Sources:
https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-ramadan-2004619
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-56695447
https://www.learnreligions.com/five-pillars-of-islam-4008936
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/five-pillars-of-islam/
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Lantern
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hiba Hamed, (H) B. Arts & Sci., MSW, RSW, is a compassionate multilingual community member with a biopsychosocial degree. She has over 15 years of community work and mental health experience and founded a mental health wellness, and an educational platform. Hiba enjoys volunteering, researching, humanitarian work, networking, and learning through professional development platforms. She also enjoys painting, reading, practicing faith/spirituality, attending social gatherings with friends, and cooking and relaxing with family. Overall, Hiba helps multicultural individuals work through challenging life transitions so they can feel a great sense of belonging in their communities. Hiba supports youth and adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. – (Extra: To learn more about the author check out instagram page @brightaslemons)