Ramadan

Many non-Muslims do know what is Ramadan. It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims are commanded by God to fast daily from dawn to sunset. .

In the Qur’an God says, “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present at home in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days. Allah desires to give you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt God for His having guided you and that you may be grateful” (2:186).

By fasting one gets to experience hunger of the less fortunate who sometimes do not even have water to drink. Fasting creates unity as well since everyone wakes up at the same time to eat the pre-dawn meal called “Suhoor” and at the time of sunset everyone breaks their fast which is called “iftaar”.

The month of Ramadan is beneficial for us. Abstaining from food and drinks for a number of hours throughout the month is a valuable exercise in endurance and steadfastness. There are also many health and physical benefits of fasting. Fasting may enhance heart health by improving blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. It also promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance. There are many other health benefits as well.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has said “In addition to ones spiritual developments, fasting is necessary for our physical health as well.”

The first time I fasted was when I was 10 years old. That day I woke up for suhoor and then offered the morning Prayer. Afterwards I went to sleep and woke up a few hours later. I wasn’t really hungry for most of the day but a few hours before iftar I started to get hungry. At that time we didn’t have a mosque near us but we had rented a high school which was where my family were going to have iftaar. After I broke my fast I felt very blessed to have food on the table and I thought about the people who had no food every day. It was a very blessed experience.

Muslims aren’t the only people of faith who fast during the year. The true purpose of Ramadan is to draw people closer to God the Almighty. In Ramadan it is important to increase one’s intensity of worship during the last ten days The month is divided into three segments of 10 days. The first segment is the days of mercy; the second is the days of forgiveness and the third is the days of seeking refuge. The last ten days of Ramadan, are during which, according to traditions, Laylatul Qadr falls. This is a night of particular spirituality in which God looks down on His servants in a special way. Muslims in general give a lot of significance to the last ten days of Ramadan. Even people who aren’t as attentive throughout the month try to improve their spiritual condition during these days. Qur'an says that this night is better than a thousand months (97:3). On this night angels descend on the earth.

May God enable us to love God and love humanity.