Islam Expanded Observance: Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The revelation of the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslims started in the month of Ramadan. In this book are found guidance for humanity and clear distinction of right and wrong (The Criterion). The command to fast in this holy month is given in the Qur’an thus: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)” Al-Quran (2:183) “And whosoever of you is present (in his home), let him fast during this month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. God desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify God for having guided you, and that perchance ye may be thankful”. Al-Quran (2:185)
The Process of Fasting
The dates and length of the observance of Ramadan are based on the lunar calendar. Therefore the dates of the observance can take place at different times of the regular calendar year, crossing all seasons. The length of the observance can be 29 or 30 days. The actual observance day begins with a pre-dawn meal known as Suhoor. From dawn to sunset there is total abstinence from anything: food, water and sexual activity. At sunset those prohibitions are lifted: a meal is eaten and worship prayer is performed.
One of the main purposes of fasting is to make a Muslim better control his or her passions, so that they become a person of good deeds and intentions. For instance, Muslims believe the common human weakness of anger can be brought under control through fasting.
The Meaning of the Fast
Islam assigns two purposes to fasting: self discipline and commiseration with the hungry. Patience, forbearance, perseverance, steadfastness in suffering, and privation-these are the qualities Islam wishes Muslims to cultivate through fasting. Therefore, Islam looks upon fasting as the best exercise in the art of self-mastery.
Overall, fasting teaches Muslims to control love of comfort, hunger, and sexual desire in order to behave as God’s servant. Thus fasting helps Muslims to remain trustworthy and obedient to God’s command. Besides the fast, Islamic tradition regards moral and religious action during Ramadan as especially meritorious and urges Muslims to increase their service to God by serving humanity during the month.
Eid-al-Fitr: The Feast of Breaking Fast
This feast occurs at the end of Ramadan. It is a day of thanksgiving and happiness. On this day, Muslims offer special prayers in congregation, and thank God for His blessings and mercy in having fulfilled the command of God through fasting in Ramadan. It is a day when observant Muslims are required to take a day off from work or school to rejoice. A special donation to the poor (FITRA) is made on that day, i.e. each person of means must donate enough to feed at least one poor person, before the celebratory prayer.
