The fast of Ramadan: Overview,
purposes, discipline, activities, etc
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Overview:
Ramadan (pronounced "rom-a-don"; a.k.a.
Ramazan) is the holiest period in the Islamic year.
It commemorates the ninth lunar month in the year 610 CE when revelations began from
God, via the angel Gabriel, to the Prophet Muhammad. These revelations
in Arabic were memorized by Muhammad, passed on orally, and later written down as the Qur'an.
During this month, Muslims believe that the gates of Heaven are open, the
gates of Hell are closed, and devils are chained up in Hell so they cannot tempt
believers on Earth. Muslims believe that because this month has been blessed by
Allah, any good actions during Ramadan will bring them a greater reward
During this month, almost all Muslims over the age of 12 are expected
to "abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures"
including smoking, gambling, etc. The fast extends from the
first light of dawn until sunset. 1 This is the fourth of
the five pillars of Islam.
Muslims may opt-out of observing
Ramadan for health reasons. The Qur'an states:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed
to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the
(month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also
clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So
every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should
spend it in fasting ..." Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185.
The purposes, discipline, and activities of Ramadan:
"The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and
generosity, while obeying God's commandments. Fasting (along with the
declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is
one of the 'five pillars' of Islam." 2 Muslims who
fall within one of the following categories may elect to not observe the
fast:
Children under the age of puberty.
People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their
actions.
The elderly.
The sick.
Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Women who are menstruating.
Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed
days at another time, or feed the poor.
Young children are encouraged to fast as much as they are able. 2
A full daytime fast can be very stressful for many people. Professor Saghir
Akhtar has written an online essay for the BBC with health and diet advice
during Ramadan. 3
Muslims may engage in a number of activities during Ramadan:
Some read the entire Qur'an.
Taraweeh prayers (a.k.a. the night prayers) are said every evening during Ramadan
in addition to the normal five prayers recited each day of the year.
Some of the Muslims spend their entire night praying to Allah.
4
Muhammad observed Al-I'etikaaf (retreat) during the last ten days of
Ramadan. Some contemporary Muslims do the same by staying in the mosque
over a number of days. They store provisions in a corner of the mosque,
and engage in spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, recitation of the
Qur'an, glorification of Allah, studying the Hadith, etc. 5
"During the entire month of Ramadan the Lailatul Qadr is the most special
night for all the Muslims who fast. It is believed that Lailatul Qadr night
falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan during the odd days like 21st, 23rd,
25th, 27th or 29th. But many Muslims believe this "night of power" to be on 27th
as it was originally on that day." 4 This night
is believed to be when Muhammad first received the Qur'an.
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How non-Muslims can help during Ramadan:
Companies, schools, hospitals, etc. can help their Muslim employees,
students and patients during the fast of Ramadan in a number of ways:
Since the employees are on a fast, they might find it more difficult
to handle strenuous tasks. Assignment of lighter duties in some cases
would undoubtedly be deeply appreciated by Muslim employees. School
administrator might allow Muslim students to be exempted from sports and
exercise events.
"Special consideration can be given to such things as requests
for vacation time, the need for flexible early morning or evening work
schedules and lighter homework assignments." For example, working
the day shift during Ramadan would enable the employee to break their
fast in the evening with their families, and to attend evening prayers.
"It is also very important that Muslim workers and students be
given time to attend Eid prayers at the end of Ramadan. Eid is as
important to Muslims as Christmas and Yom Kippur are to Christians and
Jews."
"Hospital workers should be aware that injections and oral
medications might break the fast. Patients should be given the
opportunity to decide whether or not their condition exempts them from
fasting." 2
A small token such as an Eid card or baked goods given to a Muslim
co-worker or friend during Eid ul-Fitr may also be greatly appreciated.
These cards cards are available from Muslim bookstores, or can be sent
online. 6
The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above
essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
"Muslim Fast of Ramadan Begins November 17," Council on
American-Islamic Relations, at:
http://www.cair-net.org/
"Muslim Fast of Ramadan Begins November 17: Fast offers
opportunity to learn more about Islam and Muslims," Council on
American-Islamic Relations, at:
http://www.cair-het.org/ (requires
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