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Muslim families are celebrating Ramadan

Ramadan is celebrated as the month when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the prophet Muhammad (SWA) in 610 CE. Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Power, is thought to be the actual day when the Qur’an was given to the prophet and usually falls within the last 10 days of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars (or obligatory works) of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, a lunar calendar where every new moon is the beginning of a new month. As the solar year (one-revolution of the earth around the sun) is roughly 10 days longer than the lunar year (twelve-revolutions of the moon around the earth), the beginning of Ramadan moves back by ten days every year on the solar calendar. This year Ramadan will start on either the 25th or 26th of May depending on the moon sighting.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to abstain from food, drink, sex and other pleasures starting from the morning twilight until sunset. The observers also try to refrain from provocative behaviors such as cursing, gossiping, backbiting and rudeness. Removing comforts from daily routine is intended to focus the mind on prayer, spirituality, and charity and to purify the body and mind. The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. It allows us to be productive instead of spending time thinking about grievances that make us angry and depressed. Ramadan is an opportunity to forgive, let go and focus on something important. Good judgment takes control over emotions. Fasting is not just disconnection between body and food; it is making a strong connection between us and God.

Several different groups are excused from fasting during Ramadan: pregnant women, people who are mentally or physically ill, and sometimes women who are breastfeeding. Children are not obliged to fast until they hit puberty, although many choose to observe the fast at least part of the month in preparation for later years. In Muslim culture, work days are shorter during this month to accommodate the additional time spent in prayer and in enjoying festive meals to end the daily fast. Generally, in a Muslim majority country, some people do not have to work during Ramadan. If a non-Muslim wants to wish a Muslim friend a happy Ramadan, they can say Ramadan Mubarak, which means “have a blessed Ramadan”. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Many spend more time at mosques during Ramadan and use their downtime to recite the Qur’an.

When I was young, my father encouraged me to fast. I was a very serious student when I was about 8 or 9 years old. My father told me that my memory and intellect would increase if I fasted. That was the first time I fasted — around 22 or 24 days out of the month.

Just before the fast, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day, the “suhoor.” Generally, people spend a larger part of the day in prayer and recitation of the Qur’an for the purification of the soul. Then they spend some time cooking their food to eat after breaking the fast. After sunset prayers, a large feast known as “iftar” is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, apricot juice is an iftar staple. In South Asia and Turkey, yogurt-based drinks are popular.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a three-day holiday called Eid al-Fitr. Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash. Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day visiting other families and friends.

Fatema Begum has a PhD in chemical engineering and is an adjunct professor at Marietta College.

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