Written By: Muhammed, Reborn Miracle Artist
The spiritual significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is a word derived from the Arabic term, “sawm,” meaning “stop” or “burn.” Their holy book of Quran was written in the 30 day Islamic calendar month of Ramadan. According to historians, Ramadan initially entered the Islamic calendar in an extremely hot season. Some Muslim scholars say the reason this month was chosen by God (Allah) was because he wanted to burn the sins of Muslim people.
Muslims believe this month is a very good opportunity for earning favor with God and shedding their sins. Ramadan serves as a form of training for Muslims to become more righteous, grateful and obedient towards God. The most important part of Ramadan is fasting.
Each day, just before the sun rises, Muslims must refrain from eating or drinking anything. They are not allowed to eat or drink anything for the entire day between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Muslims may, however, eat and drink throughout the night.
Ramadan is not only about fasting from eating and drinking; Ramadan is a time for controlling every desire, both good and evil. For example, Muslims strive to live more holy during Ramadan by avoiding immoral behaviors, such as lying, cheating, shouting, and having sexual relations between husband and wife.
A typical day of fast
Before Sunrise
At the beginning of each daily fast, all around the world, Muslims usually wake up very early in the morning before sunrise. That time may be different in countries where daylight shines for longer hours than other regions. No matter whether the sun shines two hours or eighteen, it is imperative that all Muslims wait to break fast until after sunset.
Accordingly, families wake up before sunrise to prepare meals respective to their national culture. Imams (Muslim religious leaders) recite the Azaan Announcement over loudspeakers reminding the public to soon stop eating and drinking any kind of food.
After the Azaan, men tend to go to mosques and pray—five prayers at different times over the course of a day. In my country, women typically recited religious prayers at home.
After Sunset
The sunset Azaan announcement concludes the daily fast, and the first food Muslims love to eat are dates, similar to the practice of Prophet Muhammad. Thereafter, Muslims can eat or drink whatever they’d like until tomorrow’s sunrise.
After breaking fast, Muslims are commanded to go to mosque and recite the regular evening prayer and an extended prayer for about one to two hours. Because Muslims believe that Satan is imprisoned during the whole month of Ramadan, they feel that nothing stands in their way against getting closer to Allah and obeying his commands.
A complete fast means that even one drop of water may not touch your tongue from sunrise to sunset. There are no exceptions for skipping Ramadan fast, unless you are seriously ill or have conditions that require regular food intake, like diabetes. Otherwise, if a Muslim misses a day of fasting during Ramadan, it is considered a big sin: to atone, he or she must fast twice as long and donate food to poor people.
Cultural observances in predominantly Islamic societies
Different Islamic countries and cultures follow some similar practices and adjustments to routine with regards to Ramadan. The majority of restaurants close during the daytime. Workplaces allow weary employees shortened hours out of compassion for their low energy levels and so that they can be at home with their families or in the mosque to break fast together.
Muslims may give 2.5 percent of his or her wealth to the needy. People offer donations, distribute rations, and give away free meals to the poor after sunset. Adherents pray extra prayers to get favor from God and repent from their sins.
After completing the month of Ramadan, the first day of the following month, called “Shawwal,” is a day of celebration. This is one of Islam’s largest religious festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr. People usually cook delicious sweets on this day and congratulate each other for completing a month of fasting.
How can I love my Muslim neighbors during Ramadan?
1. Gift them a box of dates.
In Islam, dates are considered to be “fruits of heaven.” The Hadith book detailing Mohammed’s lifestyle tells that he liked to eat dates after breaking fast. Your friends will appreciate tasting this sweet and traditional Ramadan snack.
2. Cook them dinner
Watch your neighbors smile and feel the love as you surprise their family with a dinner delivery to feast on after sunset. Or, consider inviting your neighbors to your home and hosting a dinner for them. Hospitality is a kind, appreciated gesture in the Arab world and many countries.
3. Try not to eat in front of a person who is fasting while spending time with them.
It’s respectful to avoid eating or drinking in front of a person fasting due to the temptation your friends will face. If you are spending time with your Muslim friends during Ramadan, try to find activities you can do together that don’t involve food.