Ramadan - A Time of Physical, Spiritual, and Social Revival
On Thursday, September the 13th of 2007, 1.9 billion Muslims around the world will celebrate Ramadan, a period of contemplation, fasting, and increased worship. Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the lunar calendar year and is marked by the appearance of the new moon, which signals the beginning and end of the month.
Observing Ramadan is essential as fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam including Announcement of Faith (which is witnessing that there is only one God and that Prophet Muhammad is his last messenger), salaat (praying 5 times a day), Zakaat (the right of the poor on the wealth of the financially able), Fasting during the month of Ramadan, and Hajj (once in a life time pilgrimage to Kaaba).
Fasting is intended to increase one in goodness and self-control, as well sharpen the consciousness of God. Muslims also fast to honour the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad during this month. For one month, Muslims observe Ramadan by abstaining from food, drink, and smoking during daylight hours, thus breaking their fast at sunset. This act not only allows Muslims to practice self-restraint, but to also improve their health by reducing or eliminating impurities from the body. Fasting is not required of children, travellers, the weak, elderly or sick and pregnant or menstruating woman.
During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to refrain from any obscenity or immoral acts which can spoil the fruitfulness of the spirituality and blessings gained in this month. Also, integral to this period is a sense of community, which sharpens in Muslims the concept of social responsibility towards one another, and towards humanity at large as it encourages them to think of, and give more to the needy in our society. Many mosques will sponsor meals after sundown in order for the community to end the day's fasting as a unit, in addition to engaging in extra prayers throughout the evening. Muslims also increase their engagement in charitable acts such as organizing food and clothing drives for those less fortunate. Thus, Ramadan allows Muslims to experience a physical, spiritual, and social revival.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day religious festival called Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking). The celebration begins with the sighting of the 10th new moon of the lunar calendar. The most important observances of Eid al-Fitr generally take place on the first day. During this period, Muslims participate in communal prayers in the early morning and exchange visits and gifts with one another throughout the rest of the celebration.
While Muslims in Islamic countries generally regard it as inappropriate for others to eat, drink or smoke in front of them while they are fasting, this is not the case for Canadian Muslims since Ramadan is not observed by the majority of Canadians. It may be appropriate however to provide school children who are fasting with alternative activities during lunch time.
Source: Abdirizak, Cair-Can
On Thursday, September the 13th of 2007, 1.9 billion Muslims around the world will celebrate Ramadan, a period of contemplation, fasting, and increased worship. Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the lunar calendar year and is marked by the appearance of the new moon, which signals the beginning and end of the month.
Observing Ramadan is essential as fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam including Announcement of Faith (which is witnessing that there is only one God and that Prophet Muhammad is his last messenger), salaat (praying 5 times a day), Zakaat (the right of the poor on the wealth of the financially able), Fasting during the month of Ramadan, and Hajj (once in a life time pilgrimage to Kaaba).
Fasting is intended to increase one in goodness and self-control, as well sharpen the consciousness of God. Muslims also fast to honour the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad during this month. For one month, Muslims observe Ramadan by abstaining from food, drink, and smoking during daylight hours, thus breaking their fast at sunset. This act not only allows Muslims to practice self-restraint, but to also improve their health by reducing or eliminating impurities from the body. Fasting is not required of children, travellers, the weak, elderly or sick and pregnant or menstruating woman.
During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to refrain from any obscenity or immoral acts which can spoil the fruitfulness of the spirituality and blessings gained in this month. Also, integral to this period is a sense of community, which sharpens in Muslims the concept of social responsibility towards one another, and towards humanity at large as it encourages them to think of, and give more to the needy in our society. Many mosques will sponsor meals after sundown in order for the community to end the day's fasting as a unit, in addition to engaging in extra prayers throughout the evening. Muslims also increase their engagement in charitable acts such as organizing food and clothing drives for those less fortunate. Thus, Ramadan allows Muslims to experience a physical, spiritual, and social revival.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day religious festival called Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking). The celebration begins with the sighting of the 10th new moon of the lunar calendar. The most important observances of Eid al-Fitr generally take place on the first day. During this period, Muslims participate in communal prayers in the early morning and exchange visits and gifts with one another throughout the rest of the celebration.
While Muslims in Islamic countries generally regard it as inappropriate for others to eat, drink or smoke in front of them while they are fasting, this is not the case for Canadian Muslims since Ramadan is not observed by the majority of Canadians. It may be appropriate however to provide school children who are fasting with alternative activities during lunch time.
Source: Abdirizak, Cair-Can
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