Ramadan is one of the most sacred months of the year for Islam, the religion followed by Muslims. During this time Muslims remember and honor the moment when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammaded. According to Islamic Network Group, the primary purpose of fasting is to create a deeper sense of God and in Arabic known as taqwa, stating the awareness of God. Also, they fast from food and water until sunset to strengthen their connection with God to cultivate self disciplines. It’s a month dedicated to reading the Qur’an, performing special prayers and it’s the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. All Muslims who have reached puberty are obligated to fast. There are exemptions from fasting given to those who are unable to fast such as pregnant, elders, children or if you’re sick. Those who are unable to fast must make up the missing fast later, unless due to old age or illness. Instead, they can provide food for a poor person for each day they were unable to fast.
Muslim fast from sunrise to sunset, between 11 to 16 hours depending on the time of the year. During this time they focus on both physically and spiritually to avoid any negativity such as arguing, bad words or lying etc. Muslims are very social during Ramadan as they invite family and friends to breakfast and pray at the mosque together. For children, while they are not obligated to fast until puberty, they must begin around the age of seven years old. For example, fasting half days or on the weekends to get them prepared and get a sense of Ramadan. Most often, Mosques provide children with special acknowledgement for those performing their first Ramadan fast or fasting first full day.
“Ramadan to me is a time to self discipline and self reflect. It is a time when I want to feel closer to Allah and seek forgiveness. A time when I want to engage in more prayers (Taraweeh) and recite more Qur’an. As a student it sometimes becomes challenging to do schoolwork, while fasting. Especially feeling tired and dehydrated,” North Penn student Rubaiya Akter quoted.
There is a universally recognized tradition in Ramadan where they break the fast with dates or water. The purpose of dates is because they provide a quick source of energy, easy to digest and helps to replenish the body after extended hours of fasting. Family wakes up to eat a breakfast meal before sunrise which is called suhur. After eating, they had to do their morning prayers and head to bed or continue with their day. At sunset, people break their fast with dates and water and many others break it differently such as with fruits depending on the culture, this is referred as iftar. After iftar, often many people go to a mosque to do their night players called Taraweeh.
As a student it sometimes becomes challenging to do schoolwork, while fasting. Especially feeling tired and dehydrated. But, at the end of the day when I get to break my fast with my family, it all pays off. Overall, I like that I have this time for spiritual and personal growth,” North Penn student Rubiaya Akter stated.
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