Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it’s a time for Muslims around the world to practice fasting. During this holy month, all able-bodied adult Muslims are expected to abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. This period of self-reflection and spiritual renewal serves as an important part of their faith, but many non-Muslims don’t know much about how they do it or why they do it. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the basics of Muslim fasting during Ramadan so that you can have a better understanding of what goes on during this special time.
Fasting in Islam has been practiced since before the advent of Muhammad (peace be upon him). The main purpose behind fasting is to become closer to Allah (God) by learning discipline, patience and humility. It also serves as an act of worship where believers show their devotion to God by abstaining from worldly pleasures such as food and drink for an extended period.
During Ramadan, most Muslims will begin each day with suhoor—a pre-dawn meal—and then abstain from eating or drinking until sunset when they can enjoy iftar—a meal eaten at sundown that breaks the daily fast. Many people will use this time as an opportunity to pray more often than usual as well as read Quran—the holy book in Islam—in greater detail than usual. Additionally, many mosques host nightly prayers known as taraweeh which involve reciting portions from Quran over multiple nights throughout Ramadan. On top of these activities related directly to religious observance, many people also choose charity work like donating money or volunteering time at soup kitchens for those less fortunate during this season too!
Why shoud you fast?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, giving Zakat (charity), and performing Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul, develop self-control and patience, and empathize with those who are less fortunate.
How do you fast?
Muslims fast from dawn to dusk every day for the entire month of Ramadan. This includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity. Many people also choose to avoid other sinful behaviors like backbiting or lying during this time as well.
When it comes to observing Ramadan specifically, there are certain rules that must be followed in order for one’s fast to be valid:
- All able-bodied adults must refrain from eating or drinking anything (including water) between sunrise and sunset each day throughout the month;
- Intentionally breaking any part of one’s fast invalidates it;
- Fasting should not interfere with other duties like schoolwork or work responsibilities;
- One must make up missed days after Ramadan if necessary;
- People who are ill or traveling may break their fast if needed;
- Pregnant women and those who are nursing may also break their fast when necessary;
- Those with medical conditions may seek permission from a qualified physician in order to break their fast without invalidating it.
What happens if you can’t fast?
If someone is physically unable to fast due to illness or other reasons beyond their control, they are exempt from fasting but are encouraged to make up for missed days at a later time or feed a hungry person for each day not fasting instead. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and the elderly are also exempt from fasting but may feed a hungry person for each day not fasting instead if they wish.
What’s next to Ramadan?
At the end of Ramadan comes Eid al Fitr—the festival celebrating its conclusion! Families get together for large meals filled with traditional dishes like sweet dates (symbolizing rebirth), samosas (fried pastries), haleem (porridge made with wheat berries & meat), biryani (rice dish) & more! After dinner is finished everyone exchanges gifts & hugs before enjoying fun activities like singing & dancing together into late night hours!
All in all, while Muslim fasting during Ramadan can seem daunting at first glance due to its lengthy duration & strict guidelines – once you understand its significance within Islamic tradition – you can appreciate how beautiful a celebration Eid al Fitr truly is! We hope this post gave you insight into what goes on during one special month out every year – thank you for reading 🙂