Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان} Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn]; variations Persian: Ramazān; Urdu:Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,[4] Muslims are supposed to observe fast during this month which is regarded as the fifth pillar of Islam,[5]The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths.[6][7][8] The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness.[9]
While fasting (Sawm) from dawn until sunset Muslims are supposed to refrain from consuming food, drinking water and sexual relations.[10] According to Islam, the sawab(rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month, they are believed to be multiplied.[11]Fasting for Muslims in this month, typically, includes the increased offering of salat prayersand recitation of the Quran.[12][13]
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Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[14] However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.[15]
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Practices during Ramadan
Fasting
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control,[16] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).[17]
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and healthcare professionals must work with their patients to reach common ground. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting. [18]
While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. Those who are unable to fast are obliged to make up for it. According to the Quran, those ill or traveling (musaafir) are exempt from obligation, but still must make up the days missed later on.[19] A small minority sect of Muslims, Twelver Shiites define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as qualifying for exemption.[17] Such a quantitatively-based exemption, however, has not affected the vast majority of the Muslim world, as many fast when driving more than 14 miles to their everyday jobs.
Health effects
Fasting does not pose any medical risks to healthy individuals. In fact, Sarah Amer, MS, RD, CDN, says, “The body has the incredible ability to adapt.” She reveals that it takes her only a few days of fasting to get back to her usual activity level.[18] A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.[20]
Suhoor
Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. Considering the high diversity of the global Muslim community (ummah), it is impossible to describe typical suhoor or iftaar meals. It can be anything halal - from dinner or iftar leftovers to typical breakfast foods to various ethnic food preferences. A few dates and a cup of water are usually the first foods to break the fast, while fried pastries, salads, nuts, legumes, and breads are also common. [18] After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims hasten to pray the first prayer of the day, the Fajr prayer.[21][22]
Iftar
At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar. Considering the high diversity of the global muslim population, it is impossible to describe typical suhur or iftar meals. Suhur can be dinner, or iftar, leftovers, typical breakfast foods, or ethnic foods. Social gatherings, many times buffet style, at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often highlighted. A few dates and a cup of water are usually the first foods to break the fast, while fried pastries, salads, nuts, legumes, and breads are common. Traditional desserts are often unavoidable, especially those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are consumed to a lesser extent.[18]
In the Middle East, the Iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more entrees, and dessert. Typical entrees are "lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf". A rich dessert such as baklava or kunafeh ("a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle pastry filled with cheese") concludes the meal.[23]
Over time, iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for 100 or more diners.[24]
For many around the world, iftar starts with the eating of one or more (usually three) dates – as is believed that Muhammad used to do. Following that, Muslims adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.[25]
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End of Ramadan
Eid ul-Fitr
The Muslim holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر, "festivity of breaking the fast"), sometimes spelled in English as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid ul-Fitr. Eid Ul-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.
For the manner in which the Eid is celebrated, see Eid ul-Fitr and Salat al Eid.
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