What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. They abstain from food, drink and sexual relations during the fasting hours. It is also about refraining from impure thoughts, words and actions. It is to stay away from harming others, controlling one’s speech, hearing, and what one looks at.
Some people are exempt from fasting. They are the elderly, children, the sick, travellers, pregnant and nursing woman and menstruating women are all exempt from fasting. If they are able, they can make up the fasts later.
During Ramadan, Muslims still study work, shop and lead their daily lives. The month of Ramadan is when the Qur’an, the holy book the Muslims believe in, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, (peace be on him).
Muslims fast because Allah, God, commands Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. It is a time of self-reflection and improvement. Fasting helps one to feel compassion and care for those in need. It encourages one to give in charity and be more grateful for their blessings.
The main purpose of fasting is to attain God consciousness. The Arabic word for this is taqwa. Taqwa is knowing that Allah is aware of all actions, words, and thoughts. It is what makes one do the right thing and stops one doing wrong, even when they are alone. Fasting helps one to develop God consciousness and self-control for the rest of the year. It is a means to develop these virtues. Eid-ul Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan and it is a time of celebration for Muslims all over the world.
Text and video by Reshmin Haq, Race Equality Network.