Ramadan

Tomorrow, as the sun makes its way over the horizon, people around the world will be observing the holy month of Ramadan by abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Fasting is known as “Sawm” and is one of the five pillars of Islam.*

The purpose of fasting is to develop God-consciousness, self-control, improvement of health (by reducing or eliminating impurities from the body) and to become aware of the plight of the poor, hungry, and the sick.

Ramadan is believed to be the holy month in which the Qur'an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 185)

During this time it is said that the gates of hell are closed and the gates of paradise opened. Individuals are encouraged to mend quarrels with loved ones, increase charitable acts and engage in activities which will enrich their lives in this world as well as the next. It is said to be easier during this month to show others kindness and generosity.

Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year and varies by 11 days each year (the Islamic calendar follows the lunar as opposed to the solar calendar). No one knows the actual date of Ramadan and varying the date annually ensures the date the Qu'ran was revealed will (at some point) be observed.

Fasting continues from sun up to sun down with a small early morning meal before dawn (Sahur) and a larger evening meal after sunset (Iftar).

Individuals pray five times a day, and in the evenings, individuals may participate in the voluntary, Qiyaam al-Layl, or night prayer. This observation begins after the evening prayer and lasts until morning. It is said to pray at night brings one closer to Allah. It also keeps individuals free from disease, free from sin and “expiates bad deeds.”

I will not be observing Ramadan due to my current exercise regimen, but am considering it for next year. My host family, however, will be fasting and praying during this month.

*The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life. The Five Pillars are: Shahadah (sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith), Salat (performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day), Zakat (paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca).