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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of
the most important months for Muslims as it is believed this is the
month that the Qu’ran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh).
During
this month all healthy Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset when they
must refrain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco used
and any kind of sexual contact.
People who are physically or mentally
unwell are exempt, as are people who are traveling, women who are
pregnant, who are menstruating and children under twelve.
It should
be noted that entertainment, including entertainment in hotels is also
prohibited, although quiet background music may be acceptable.
If the
fast is missed, they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or
make a donation to the poor instead.
Ramadan or Sawn one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims are
expected to follow, the other four are Faith (Shahadah); Prayer (Salah),
Charitable Giving (Zakah), and the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
 Ramadan is not all about fasting though is it?
The
month is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Muslims are also
expected to avoid gossiping, lying, envy, greed and other bad traits of
character. Many people use the month to become better Muslims by praying
more or reciting as much of the Qur’an as possible.
They also
read Taraweeh prayers each night which are a special feature of Ramadan.
These are long prayers that take place every evening and last around an
hour and a half to two hours.
Muslims believe their good actions
bring greater reward during these thirty days because the month has been
blessed by Allah. It’s also thought Satan is chained in hell during the
month so cannot tempt believers.
One of the last ten nights of
Ramadan is believed to be the holiest night of the whole month as it’s
thought that was the night the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet
Mohammed through the Angel Gabriel. It’s not known which night it is
apart from it being one of the odd number nights but Muslims are told
praying throughout this night is the equivalent of a thousand months of
prayer.
 So what happens during Ramadan?
Fasting
reminds Muslims of the suffering of the poor who often don’t get to eat
well.
During Ramadan most Muslims will tend to wake up just before
sunrise to eat a meal or some food and this is known as Sehri or Suhoor.
They will then not be able to eat or drink again until sunset when it is
traditional to open the fast with a date and then eat and this meal is
known as Ithar or Iftari.
The reason people open their fasts with a
date is because this is what the Prophet Mohammed is supposed to have
broken his fast with.
Some people hold Iftari parties where they
prepare lots of food and then invite people round to eat.
What happens at the end of the month?
Ramadan
lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the new moon which
can cause confusion as some imams say the moon has been sighted on one
day and others say it’s been sighted on another day! But once the moon
has been sighted by a reliable source usually by the imam of your local
mosque, Muslims celebrate Eid Ul Fitr. It begins with a special Eid
prayer and then Muslims dress up and go out and meet each other, have
special meals and exchange gifts. It’s traditional for Muslims to say
Eid Mubarak to each other which means Happy Eid.
So this can be a positive time?
Indeed
it can. This is a hugely important occasion for Muslims around the
world, as well as being a focus for charitable deeds and time spent with
family. Ramadan is a good time for non-Muslims to reflect on these
universal principles and savour the cultural experience. Once you have
got used to the adjustments to your eating habits and night time
socializing, the rest is just about being a little more culturally aware
than usual. Enjoy the break from your usual routine, try something new,
and do take the advice about avoiding the roads just before Iftar.
Ramadan
2007 - September 12th – October 11th
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