Ramadan

By Sophia Gerl

Fasting, praying, and bonding with the family.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; this event unites all those who belong to the Muslim religion. Ramadan is a whole month long and represents one of the five pillars of Islam. 

This year, it takes place from March 11 to April 9. The dates vary from year to year, as the dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The fasting period ends each year with the holiday “Eid al-Fitr”. In Dubai, for example, this festival is celebrated throughout the city with colorful lights and exciting events. Families usually get together and go out for a big, festive meal.

But how is Ramadan actually practiced, and what are the traditions and rules here?

In Ramadan, people generally fast throughout the day. This means no eating or drinking after the first obligatory prayer, which is Fajr and it takes place before sunrise. However, as soon as the sun sets during the Maghrib prayer, the fast ends again. Furthermore, they spend most of their time praying and reflecting.

The aim is to regain strength and regenerate. Everything that people do during the holy month should be based on forbearance and charity. It should create an atmosphere of happiness and equality, so that even those who are not blessed by it can feel compassion.

Young children who are in school do not have to fast during the week, but usually fast on weekends. They are generally exempt from fasting, but are encouraged to participate as many days as possible. However, as soon as they reach puberty (14 y.o.) , they fast in the same way as adults. Women who have their period do not have to fast during this time. However, they make up for this in the time after their period. So they fast for just as long as all other Muslims.

In addition, sick, breast-feeding, pregnant, or traveling people (optional) are excluded.

Many believe that fasting is a way of gaining puberty with God, purifying themselves, and prioritizing the needs of others. During Ramadan, people fast for about 13 hours a day. However, many people get up shortly before dawn to eat and drink something.

During fasting, you have to refuse all kinds of things. In addition to the just-mentioned things, lip balm (you might accidentally swallow some of it), chewing gum, tobacco, cussing, sexual acts, lying  etc. are also forbidden.

The exact procedure is described in the following. 

Many people get up extra early, eat, drink and pray. The kind of food they eat before sunrise is called Suhoor (trans: of the dawn). Afterward, they usually go back to sleep. As soon as the sun has risen, there is no more eating or drinking for about 13 hours. As soon as the sun goes down, the fast ends. The meal is called Iftar (trans.: break of the fast). Many Muslims celebrate this with a date and a delicious meal with the family. The date actually has significance as well, because it is said that the prophet Muhammad broke the fast with it.

In fact, the practice of fasting during Ramadan has existed since 624 CE. That was exactly two years after the introduction of the Islamic calendar.