What is Ramadan? Fasting 2009

What is Ramadan? Fasting 2009

Ramadan is the act when Muslims all over the world must ritually fast and abstain from certain acts or foods and liquids which are prohibited during this holy time of year. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims are expected to follow, the other four pillars of Islam are Faith (Shahadah); Prayer (Salah), Charitable Giving (Zakah), and the holy Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). Ramadan takes place during the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and will therefore differ from year to year when using the more common 12 month calendar than the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the new moon.


Fasting begins from sunrise to sunset. When a Muslim first begins to fast they will tend to wake up before sunrise to eat, this is known as Sehri or Suhoor. Often in Muslim households, there will be a generous breakfast before sunrise, as eating and drinking is not allowed. When sunset approaches and it is nearing the time for the fast to be opened some Muslims will gather to have Iftari parties to open their fasts together. Families come together and even extended families so this is also a great time for get together. It is customary to open your fasts with dates as this was what the Prophet Mohammed (PBH) is said to have eaten to open his fast with.

Fasting is much more than denying yourself food or drinks. It is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer. During this month Muslims will be thinking of others who are less fortunate than themselves, those from all over the world who have extreme difficulty even finding food or are in poverty. Muslims should also spend this time reflecting about their religion and what it means to them. Prayer is important during Ramadan and is used to focus a Muslims spiritual belief towards their God and pray for thanks for all that they have and for others all over the world who are less fortunate as no matter how badly you may feel that your present circumstances may be, there will always be someone worse off.

Some guidelines for fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:


No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset
No chewing gum
No smoking (or other type of drugs or alcohol which is not permitted any ways in Islam)
No sexual contact
Not allowed for women during menstrual period
Not required of the mentally ill or those of physical ill health
Not partaking in activities which are considered haram
Not required of children until they reach puberty

Helpful advice for fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:



It is advisable to drink plenty of water before starting your fasts
Try to avoid strenuous exercise that could cause you to perspire too much. Without the ability to drink to replenish the liquid lost you will be endangering your health which could cause you to even faint or feel physically unwell. Exercise in the evening after you open your fasts.
Avoid foods such as potato chips (crisps) or other salty or dry foods which could cause you to get very thirsty later in the day
Avoid direct sunlight when possible as perspiration could cause you to get very thirsty or make you faint/ unwell.

When Ramadan has finished and the fasting has ceased, Eid ul Fitr is celebrated. It is anticipated all month and is celebrated differently all over the world but the general feelings are on family and the local religious community. Usually families will gather at the house of the senior member of the family and gifts of cash or clothes are given to the children. As the festivities carry on through out the day and night, this will mark the end of a very special time of the year in the Muslim calendar.

Summary:

Ramadan is the act when Muslims all over the world must ritually fast and abstain from certain acts or foods and liquids which are prohibited during this holy time of year. Fasting is much more than denying yourself food or drinks. It is a time of spiritual reflection and prayer.

Shazia Shah has been a driving force behind the Asian Matrimonial website http://www.asians4asians.com and Muslim Matrimonial website http://www.muslimandsingle.com With Muslim Members from all over the UK and rest of the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shazia_Shah http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Ramadan?-Fasting-2009&id=1066621


12 comments:

The Pope said...

Thank you for sharing this post in the observance of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Let us all observe and practice the teachings of Ramadan, the self purification, fasting and sharing and forgiveness.

God bless.

SEAQUEST said...

Hindi man ako muslimpero nirerespeto ko po ang panahong ito para sa kanila dahil sa katulad kong katoliko may panahon din na ganito ako kung mahal na araw honestly, i'm glad you shared those things to us mas naunawaan at naintindihan ko pa yung ibang dahilan ng ramadan thank you for this..Godbless

EngrMoks said...

mahirap pala maging muslim..pero at least hanga ako sa kanila at sa pagiging sagrado nila...

Life Moto said...

Pope - Thank you bro for your insight. For those who can't do the fasting, just respect them by refrain seeing you eating or drinking in public.

SEAQUEST - Bilang manggagawa sa Gitnang Silangan ay nakikiisa kami sa mga Muslim sa pamamagitan ng pagtatago pagkumakain :) or else mababatas ka nila

Moks - Tulad mo bilib ako sa pagdadasal nila. yun lang sa fasting nila parang binaligtad lang sa gabi ang kain nila.

Sardonyx said...

Ramadan pala ngayon dyan? Parang ang hirap magfasting, so pati kayo damay? pero gusto ko rin ma experience ang Ramadan para pumayat ako hehehehe, joking aside....thanks for posting this and sharing the belief of muslims. I respect their beliefs and sa lahat ng religion dapat galangin natin.

Anonymous said...

Ramadan, for me, is the time when everything's in a lull. No traffic, not much noises in the office. I specifically liked that silent minutes prior to the breaking of the fast. Everything's so peaceful.

(Naiinis lang talaga ako dahil hindi ako pwedeng makapagyosi. Hehe).

Ramadan Kareem to you and to all the Muslim brothers near you.

Life Moto said...

Sardonyx - Your welcome po. Maganda rin kasi na nalalaman natin ang kanilang costumes and tradition. masarap ang experience pag ramadan. Kasi andyan yung nagtatago ka para lang kamain or uminum. pwede naman kumain ang mga kristiano kaya lang bilang pag galang sa kanila ay wag mo ipakita sa harap nila.

Nebz - sa sobrang tahimik nila bro nakakabingi para silang hapong hapo, kasi dahil sa antok.
Bawas ka muna sa yusi oh diba nakatulong Ramadan sa budget mo!

money online said...

happy ramadhan..
we are indonesian people also call ramadhan as the big month and its our best month for indonesian people .. :)

Life Moto said...

engineer - Thank you for dropping by.

Money online - Happy Ramadan to you too. Though I am not Muslim, but working here in Muslim country. It is important for us to know and respect this celebration.

Dhemz said...

glad to know you respect this kind of celebration..some Muslim people don't deserve to be respected like the ones who are involve in bombing and war in iraq....thanks for sharing.

Life Moto said...

Thank you Dhemz for your insight. Since I am working here in Saudi A so we should respect their belief. As long as they allow us to eat but in secret place. Those are the extremist.

Strange Ian said...

This is a good info for people who are not Muslims.

Happy Ramadhan Kareem to my fellow Muslims brothers and sisters around the world.

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