Ramadan is one of the holiest months and is observed by Muslims worldwide by focusing on strengthening their spiritual ties with each other and showing their devotion to Allah SWT through fasting. Ramadan is a time when all ummahs come together and encourage each other to do good deeds and become the best version of themselves possible. To summarise, Ramadan is when Muslims fast and refrain from engaging in activities that are considered unclean for the body and mind.
From waking up for the morning meal of suhoor together to breaking fast with our family at home or with strangers in the mosque - Ramadan is also a time of reflection and spirituality for Muslims. Between dawn (Fajr) and dusk, those who observe Ramadan abstain from food, drink, and impure thoughts to concentrate on prayer and establish a closer relationship with Allah (SWT). Fasting makes one more grounded and appreciative of everything Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon them by allowing them to comprehend the agony and suffering endured by millions of people worldwide who live in famine and poverty.
Zakat contributions for Ramadan are made at the end of the month, after which Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with close friends and family. For Muslims, Eid is a beautiful time for feasting and joy with loved ones like family and friends. So, today, let's break down some facts about this holy month and what makes it unique from other months in the Islamic calendar.
But why is Ramadan observed? Do all countries have the same fasting hours? Have a look at some of these interesting facts about the Holy Month and find out!
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A Muslim must uphold these five requirements to be regarded as a believer in Islam. These are the Shahadah (statement of faith), the Salat (five daily prayers), the Zakat (charity giving), the fast, and the Hajj.
The following are some of the reasons why fasting during Ramadan is so significant in Islam:
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Why you may ask? Well, Islam uses a lunar calendar that is based on the moon's phases, and therefore Ramadan is also based on the Islamic or Hijri lunar calendar. So each year, Ramadan would roughly always starts 10 to 12 days earlier than the previous year in the Gregorian calendar and can last up to 29 or 30 days, depending on when the moon is visible. Due to the Islamic calendar's strict lunar nature and lack of leap years, each month's length fluctuates from year to year. Thus, the months on the Islamic calendar are shorter, which differs from the Gregorian calendar which is a solar calendar - resulting in different dates each year.
Also known as the Night of Power, Laylatul Qadr is one of the most revered nights of Ramadan where Muslims will pray to Allah to seek forgiveness for their past sins as well as to ask Him for blessings.
While its precise date is unknown, Laylatul Qadr falls on any one of the final ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. Some Muslims will spend an entire night in prayer until dawn, while others will practice I'tikaf (an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days while devoting oneself to ibadah).
Read more about The Deep Significance of Laylatul Qadr: Dua and What To Do
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The Holy Month of Ramadan usually takes place during the summer, so it’s derived from the Arabic root word “ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ” which means intense or scorching heat. More than a billion Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, a period when many Muslims utilize it to feel closer to Allah, carry out good deeds, spend time with loved ones, give up bad habits, and pray. Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.
According to the prophet Muhammad, "When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get any, then (he should break his fast) with water, for water is purifying," and many Muslims break their fast with dates. Furthermore, the fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Qur'an.
It is also an Islamic tradition to break a fast with dates - which are especially rich in sugar, fiber, and potassium and are great for restoring energy after fasting. These nutritious fruits are easy to digest and will help stabilize blood sugar levels – and are quite delicious as well.
Read more about Dates: The Best Fruit For Breaking Your Fast During Ramadan
When children reach puberty, which typically occurs between the ages of 13 and 14, fasting becomes required. Even yet, they continue to fast before that. When they learn more about the holy month of Ramadan, some children begin practicing and performing half-day or even a few-hour fast. No one solution fits all. At about 10, some children are prepared, able, and willing to fast.
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Even though all healthy adults are required to fast during Ramadan, those who are suffering from health issues such as chronic illnesses or elders who aren’t physically fit are excused from fasting. Fasting is also not required for infants, young children, women who are nursing, pregnant, or menstruating, or those who are traveling.
You don't have to fast if you can't because of a medical issue. They shouldn't fast if doing so aggravates their medical condition. They don't need to fast and must take their medication as needed if skipping it will harm them.
Islam forbids inflicting suffering against oneself. We must maintain our health and safety. Throughout Ramadan, we can always foster our spiritual connection in other ways. Consult your doctor frequently!
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Giving to charity or performing zakat is also one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims are always encouraged to be generous to the less fortunate. Performing zakat during the Holy Month of Ramadan is considered to be even more spiritually rewarding so Muslim families will donate food items and clothing to the poor.
Read more about Sadaqah and its benefits here!
Muslims fast during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset, and this can differ depending on where they live as well as the season. In Northern European countries the winters are usually longer which results in shorter fasting hours, but fasting during the summer would include more than 20 hours of fasting. Muslims in these countries will often follow the timetable of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for suhoor and iftar.
Read more about How Long is Daily Ramadan Fasting?
Despite the month-long fast, people often gain more weight during the Holy Month due to the consumption of oily or sweet food during iftar and suhoor. There is a high tendency for overeating due to fasting.
Most iftar tables are usually full of foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugar, so people are encouraged to stay hydrated and include more fruits, and vegetables as well as good protein in their diet.
Read more about A Healthy Ramadan: How to Have Good Discipline
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Traditionally handcrafted lanterns that adorn entrances, shops, and homes are known as fanous. This is actually an Egyptian tradition. There is a small number of workshops in Egypt that specialize in creating these lanterns with metal and colored glass. However, it is very common to see these lanterns even in other Middle Eastern and Asian countries.
