An Introduction to Ramadan
Millions of Muslims across the world have been observing the holy month of Ramadan, which began on 22 March. What happens during Ramadan and why is it so significant for Muslims?
We are very grateful to Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Co-Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum, for providing some fascinating insights into the practice and the meaning of Ramadan for Muslims.
The holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the twelve-month lunar Islamic calendar. The beginning of the month is established by the sighting of the crescent moon, and it is therefore different every year and earlier by approximately ten/eleven days. Muslims living in countries where the skies are usually cloudy rely on information from Muslim countries where the new moon can be sighted. Different Muslim communities turn to different countries, and it is therefore quite common that there would be two different days for the beginning and the ending of the month. Muslims may be greeted with the words “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan), “Ramadan Karim” (Generous Ramadan) or simply “Happy Ramadan”.
Ramadan is a full month of fasting for adults and young people who have attained the age of puberty. They fast from dawn until sunset and so the fasts are very long during the summer months and relatively short during the winter months. Muslims wake up before dawn to have suhur, a very early breakfast with the whole family. They are then not allowed to eat, drink, or have intimate relations with their spouse until sunset. God says, “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may become pious. A fixed number of days, but if any one of you is ill or on a journey then the same number should be made up from other days. And for those who can fast (but) with difficulty, they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of their own accord it is better for them. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.” (Qur’an 2:183-184).
In addition to the five prayers which Muslims perform daily, a special extended prayer, tarawih, is offered late at night throughout Ramadan. The last ten days and nights are regarded as the most significant when they exert themselves much more. Many will remain in other kinds of worship and go to sleep only after suhur. They increase their recitation of the Qur’an which has a very special relationship with the month. “The month of Ramadan is one in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for people and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (Qur’an 2:185).
Late nights and early mornings with interrupted sleep in between is a big challenge for many in addition to hunger, thirst, and general tiredness. Where possible, Muslims will try to book their holidays from work during Ramadan to enable them to observe it with due diligence, relative ease and to be able to spend time with their family. They may want to start early/late and finish early/late for the day. They may request to work from home on some days. They may especially request time off in the last ten days leading up to `Id (Eid). They will require a few minutes for iftar, the breaking of the fast at sunset with dates and water followed by a family meal later at home. In addition to this they may also need a few minutes during the day to perform their obligatory daily prayers after midday, late afternoon and at sunset. They may prefer not to have business lunches and office parties during Ramadan and may request some adjustments to these events.
In Ramadan, many Muslims reduce the amount of socialising and several other activities to create more time for worship and to remain focused on their spiritual development and strengthening their relationship with God. They think of God a lot more and turn to him in repentance and ask of Him. “And when my servants ask you (O Muhammad!) concerning Me, then (tell them) I am indeed near (to them). I answer to the invocations of the supplicant when they call on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led right.” (Qur’an 2:186). The Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about Ramadan, “This is a month, the first part of it is mercy (from God), and the middle part of it is forgiveness (from God) and the last part of it is emancipation from the hellfire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Ramadan is a time in which Muslims are encouraged to be most charitable. Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which they give to the poor, to orphans and to needy travelers.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). Most Muslims prefer to give their zakah (alms) to the poor during Ramadan as it the best time to do good works since the rewards are multiplied. God says, “The fasting person has left food, drink, and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So, I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Muslims are taught that fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but it is also about staying away from evil and wrong deeds. Muhammad said, "Whoever does not give up lying and acting upon them, and evil actions, then God is not in need of their giving up food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
The month of Ramadan ends with news of the sighting of the new moon. The following day is `Id al-Fitr (Eid) to give thanks to God for the gift of Ramadan and to celebrate the end of fasting. A special charity, known as Sadaqat al-Fitr or Zakat al-Fitr is given to the poor in advance of the day. Special prayers are offered in the morning. People wear nice clothes, use perfume, and eat special dishes with family and friends and exchange gifts. Muslims may be greeted by the words “`Id Mubarak” (blessed `Id) or a simple “Happy `Id”.