Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time for fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. It usually lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on whether one does not miss any days or breaks fast too early. Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drinks. If you participate, there is a celebration called Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are basic responsibilities that every Muslim should follow. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the heart, focus on faith, and develop patience.
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal that Muslims eat before they start fasting. Muslims wake up before the sun rises to eat a meal or two and then go on with their day fasting. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast after sunset. Traditionally, they break their fast with family and sometimes friends and can eat and drink as much as they want until the sunrise.
In between Suhoor and Iftar, Muslims continue their daily activities like school, work, and praying just like they normally would, except they cannot eat and drink.
Most people recognize Ramadan as a time for Muslims to fast for their religion, but it is more than that. It is also a time of increased spirituality. Muslims engage in extra prayers and recite the Quran more than they would on any ‘normal’ day. The most significant prayer during Ramadan is Taraweeh, a special night prayer performed in mosques. During Taraweeh, long Quran sections are recited and reviewed, and by the end of the month, many mosques complete the Quran.
One of the key lessons of Ramadan is taqwa, which means being conscious of God in all actions. By fasting and avoiding sinful behaviors, Muslims develop greater self-awareness and begin to want to live more righteously. The month pushes people to reflect on their lives, ask for forgiveness for past mistakes, and make changes in their lives in only a positive way.
Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, but the traditions and celebrations vary from country to country. Egypt decorates its streets with colorful lanterns called fanoos, which symbolize light and joy. In Turkey, drummers walk through the streets before dawn to wake people up for suhoor. In Pakistan and India, families prepare special Ramadan treats like samosas, seviyan, and pakoras.
For people who are not Muslim, Ramadan may seem unfamiliar, but there are lots of ways to show support and respect for Muslim friends or classmates. One way to show respect is to be mindful when drinking or eating around someone who is fasting, you do not need to hide it, but showing you care and being aware is appreciated.
