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)

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It’s crazy how misconceptions can cloud our understanding of an entire group of people. It’s a known fact that every religion has its fair share of misconceptions and stereotypes. Unfortunately, Islam is no exception to this influx of information.

In the face of divisive headlines, Islam unwaveringly fosters peace and understanding. The very word “Islam” means peace. A fifth of the world’s population is reclaiming this peace as their chosen way of life. As we progress in the 21st century, it’s important to move past stereotypes and understand Islam. This is a faith with a rich history, a strong appreciation for diversity, and a commitment to peace.

1. MISCONCEPTION: “All muslims are terrorists.”

FACT: Islam’s teachings highlight peace, compassion, and justice. The vast majority of Muslims reject violence and extremism.

The idea that “all Muslims are terrorists,” is a harmful stereotype. Remember that most Muslims are peaceful and oppose terrorism. Though specific data is scarce, very few Muslims commit terrorist acts. At least 60 of the 2,400 U.S. terrorist attacks in the START (Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism) database from 1970 to 2012 were committed by Muslims, representing only 2.5% of the total. (Washington’s Blog)

It’s often Muslims who are most affected by acts of terrorism. Research has shown that 82% to 97% of victims of terrorism are Muslims.(BBC News)(Washington’s Blog)(Fondapol.Org) It’s important to note that these incidents are driven by a miniscule fraction of the world’s Muslims and by many other factors like population, failed governance, and weak economic development. (CSIS) These figures highlight that while terrorism is a global issue, it’s not representative of the beliefs and actions of the majority of Muslims worldwide. 

The media often links Islam to violence, which can perpetuate this misconception. It’s crucial to separate the actions of a few from the beliefs of many. For example, as we wouldn’t judge all Christians by the acts of a few, we shouldn’t view all Muslims through the lens of terrorists.

2. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims are all Arabs.”

FACT: Muslims come from diverse ethnic backgrounds worldwide. Only about 20% of Muslims are Arabs.

It’s important not to mix up Muslims and Arabs. Muslims are found all over the world and come from many different cultures. Muslims learn Arabic, the language of Islam’s holy book, the Quran. It allows them to read the Quran and understand its teachings.

Out of the over one billion Muslims globally, only around 200 million are Arabs. Interestingly, about ten percent of these Arabs are not Muslims.

3. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslim women are oppressed.”

FACT: Muslim women, like all women, live varied lives. Despite hurdles some may encounter, Islam safeguards their rights and offers them protection.

This is the most prevalent stereotype in Western media. Contrary to popular belief, women in Islam do not lack agency or personal freedom. They are capable of making impactful decisions and actions. Sometimes, cultural practices can cloud these rights. The Quran stands for gender equality and denounces violence against women.

Muslim women’s experiences are multifaceted, with empowerment being a significant aspect. Just to share, while the U.S. hasn’t had a female president yet, many Muslim women have already reached the top leadership roles in their countries. This includes notable figures like Benazir Bhutto, Khaleda Zia, Tansu Çiller, Sheikh Hasina, Mame Madior Boye, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Roza Otunbayeva, Atifete Jahjaga, Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Halimah Yacob, Samia Suluhu, and Vjosa Osmani.

4. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a backward religion and Muslims disregard education.”

FACT: Education holds a significant place in Islam, and Muslims have a rich history of contributing to human civilization.

One reason Islam grew so quickly and peacefully was because of its simple teachings, which ultimately promoted the worship of a single God. Several civilizations and educational institutions were established in a relatively short amount of time. This quest for learning led to breakthroughs in many fields. 

The Prophet (SAW) emphasized the importance of education for all Muslims, irrespective of gender. Muslim scholars made substantial contributions to various disciplines during the Islamic Golden Age. For instance, Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote “The Canon of Medicine,” which was a key medical resource for centuries. His interpretations of Aristotle’s works played a significant role in shaping European thought. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a key institution where scholars shared ideas. These contributions, among many others, were instrumental in preserving and advancing knowledge that later influenced Europe’s Renaissance.

5. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims worship a different deity.” 

FACT: Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews. “Allah” is the Arabic word for God, used by Arabic-speaking followers of all three religions.

Muslims express their acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty through devotion and compliance with His teachings, delivered by His prophets throughout history. In Islam, God is unique, doesn’t fatigue, has no offspring or associates, and lacks human traits.

6. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a monolithic religion.”

FACT: Islam is a diverse faith with a wide range of views, practices, and interpretations. It encompasses various sects, traditions, and cultural expressions.

Muslims, coming from different ethnicities, cultures, and eras, exhibit a broad spectrum of perspectives and practices. Different schools of thought and regional variations contribute to the richness of Islamic tradition.

A number of Islamic sects exist, each with its own set of customs, theology, and legal traditions. This diversity highlights the value of religious liberty.

7. 7. MISCONCEPTION: “Muslims hate non-Muslims.”

FACT: Islam emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and respectful interaction with people of other faiths.

Islam recognizes Jews and Christians as “People of the Book.” The Quran encourages dialogue, understanding, and fair treatment of non-Muslims, emphasizing the common humanity shared by all.

Throughout history, Muslim societies have demonstrated peaceful coexistence with different religious communities. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all lived in harmony in different Islamic regimes.

8. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam is a threat to Western values.”

FACT: Islam and Western values share common ground, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Islam and Western societies share common values, both aiming for a better humanity. Islam promotes freedom, justice, and democracy, which are also core Western values. Both societies are learning to adapt to each other’s values, and technology is changing how these communities interact.

9. 9. MISCONCEPTION: “Islam and Democracy are incompatible.”

FACT: Many Muslim-majority countries have democratic systems, showcasing compatibility between Islam and democratic governance.

Islam and democracy share important principles like justice, equality, and people’s welfare. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, stands as a real-time example of how Islam and democratic governance can coexist successfully. 

10. MISCONCEPTION: “Sharia law is barbaric and inflexible.”

FACT: Sharia is a comprehensive moral and ethical system based on Islamic teachings. It encompasses various interpretations and can be adapted to modern contexts.

While some parts of Sharia law related to faith, worship, and character are fixed, other parts that govern relationships between individuals can change based on circumstances, customs, and location. This flexibility is a key feature of Islamic law. Through a process called ijtihad, Muslim jurists have developed new rules from Islamic principles to suit their times and contexts.

These misconceptions have the potential not only to fuel the perpetuation of ignorance but contribute to foster prejudices. There are a lot of opinions, and reality is often twisted to fit personal agendas and biases. The harmful spread of these misconceptions needs to be addressed. It’s about shedding our preconceived ideas and welcoming the truth into our hearts and minds that exists beyond the veil of misconceptions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Famidah Dirampaten is the Assistant Editor for World HIjab Day Organization. She is also a candidate for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies with concentrations in Interfaith Peace Building and Nonprofit Leadership at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York. She is currently based in Doha, Qatar. Instagram@famidz

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Touched by a stranger’s sincere and eager public Facebook post, on Wednesday February 1st I visited her house to help her and her non-Muslim friends style themselves in hijabs, in honor of World Hijab Day. Kim Mulligan’s World Hijab Day photo shoot was a beautiful, unique initiative by non-Muslim women to reach out and support Hijabi Muslim women. Upset about the Muslim ban and refugees’ plight, these women embraced me with hugs, smiles, and well-intentioned questions about my faith. They repeatedly thanked me for bringing hijabs and styling them, but it was I bowled over with gratitude for their support and courage. Their acceptance of the hijab warmed my heart. Their effort was reassuring and comforting, because typically it’s us Hijabis that have to overcompensate and reach out to others. This nonjudgmental group made me feel welcome and normal. We were a group of women having fun; enjoying fashion and getting to know one another as humans. It was not about lecturing one another.

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