Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by muslims as a month of fasting. Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for the muslims and coupled with the fasting, muslims engage in intense spiritual activities by getting closer to God in prayers, heightening devotion, and dedicating more time to reading the Qu’ran.
WHO CAN FAST?
All muslims are obligated to fast in this period, however, some categories of people are exempted from the fast.
Children from ages 0-7 may be exempted from the fast. However, if they’re closer to their year of puberty, they could engage in half day fast, or fast on weekends. With this, they can gradually learn the culture of fasting as they grow up.
Pregnant and Lactating women are also exempted from the fast. This is because fasting for long hours may be detrimental to the health of their babies.
Physically unfit individuals are not compelled to engage in the fast due to their health. But it is still important for them to give due diligence to prayers as much as they can.
The Elderly: People who are in their old age may have little strength to fast, thus, they are exempted from the fast.
HOW DOES THE FASTING WORK?
During Ramadan, muslims are expected to abstain from eating food, drinking any liquids, smoking, engaging in sexual activities from dawn to sunset. Chewing of gum, taking medications like pills are also prohibited.
In addition, muslims are also encouraged to refrain from negative actions, thoughts and emotions like swearing, jealousy, anger, gossiping, or complaining during the month. Engaging in such activities would ‘’invalidate’’ the fast.
WHEN TO EAT
During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything in daylight hours. One meal IS eaten before dawn while the other is eaten by sunset.
Sahur
This is the meal eaten early in the morning before dawn and before the Fajr prayer.
Anyone fasting should stop eating once the Fajr prayer begins.
Iftar
This is the meal used in breaking the fast in the evening.
This meal is taken after the maghrib prayer which is usually around sunset.
You can eat all night after this meal, till the next Fajr prayer.
HOW ABOUT PRAYERS?
In addition to the five daily prayers of every faithful Muslim, muslims recite a special prayer called Tarawih prayer. Although this is voluntary after the Isha prayer which is the evening prayer.
In this holy month, you may generally want to reduce time spent doing unnecessary activities and save your energy for the fast. Besides that, make it a priority to do whatever makes you get closer to God so as to make the most of the season.
Ramadan Kareem.