Khan: A short introduction to Ramadan

Letter to the editor

With the sighting of a new moon on March 10, the holy month of Ramadan (9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) will start in the United States and around the world. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is one of the five obligatory requirements for adult Muslims. Other obligations include the declaration of faith that God is one, charitable giving called Zakat, five daily prayers, and, once in their life, a pilgrimage to Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. Ramadan is considered to be a month of blessings by Muslims. The Muslim holy book, The Quran, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Adult healthy Muslims (both men and women) are expected to fast every day of this month from dawn to dusk. The daily fast begins with getting up before dawn to eat a light meal called Suhur and ends with having breakfast called Iftar, at sunset. Most Muslims start the Iftar meal with dates, which was the Prophet’s tradition. The fast is not limited to abstaining from food and water but also from smoking, sexual activity, and offensive acts such as getting angry, swearing, name-calling, and backbiting. Fasting can be postponed by people who are ill or traveling and can be made up after travel and recovery from illness. Women who are pregnant, menstruating, or nursing can similarly defer to a later time. In addition, people with a reasonable justification can feed a poor or hungry person for each day of the fast that has been missed. There are great blessings and spiritual rewards in helping the poor and feeding the hungry, particularly during Ramadan. In Gainesville, Muslims make donations to local charities and provide food to the homeless. 

Ramadan is a time for self-examination and for developing an understanding of God’s messages as presented in the Quran and interpreted and followed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the time to think about the less fortunate and be generous in charitable donations. Observing the entire month of fasting and following strict rules of behavior and conduct not only make the followers spiritually stronger and God-conscious but also more compassionate towards the poor and hungry. Ramadan practices lead to self-discipline, healthy habits, and purification of mind, body, and soul. It is also a time of community building. Muslims of Gainesville and surrounding areas come together on a daily basis at the two local Islamic Centers for Iftar at the end of the day and pray together. 

Muslims live worldwide and experience fasts with varying day lengths, ranging from 18-20 hours in Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden; 11 hours in Argentina and Indonesia; and 13 to 15 hours in Middle Eastern Countries. When Ramadan occurs in the winter months in areas in the Arctic Circle, where daylight and nighttime are indistinguishable, Muslims follow the timing of Mecca or the closest Muslim country. 

Muslims continue to do their normal jobs during the month-long period of fasting. In some Muslim countries, work hours are altered and or shortened. Many Muslim athletes, even in the western countries, continue to fast and also participate in their professional activities. Some decide to feed the hungry or fast after the playing seasons are over. Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets and, before him, Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets, considered some of the best basketball players, continued to fast during Ramadan, even when playing in a tournament. Premier League soccer players Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and many others continued to play and observe fasting, as do the Pakistani cricketers. 

Fasting ends with the appearance of the new moon and is marked by the holiday called Eid al-Fitra, which this year will most likely be April 10. It is a day of thanksgiving for fulfilling a religious commitment. The day starts with gathering to perform special Eid prayers. People celebrate with friends, greeting each other with statements of “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Eid.” Special meals are prepared. Houses are decorated and gifts are exchanged. The festivities begin with an act of charity called Zakat al-Fitra, giving money to people in need. This must be done by everyone before performing early Eid prayers so that the poor can also enjoy the holidays. It is obligatory for every Muslim, child and adult, to give at least the amount sufficient to feed a person in their city. In Gainesville, it is approximately $15.00. Muslims living in Muslim countries enjoy a 2-3-day public holiday. In the the United States, while some people are able to take the day off, usually most must attend prayers and then return to their job, as it is normally not considered a holiday. 

Saeed Kahn, Gainesville

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