This year, the Muslim month of Ramadan began on Sept 1. The Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during this ninth month of the Muslim Lunar calendar, making it the holiest month for Muslims.
The Muslim calendar is about 10 days shorter than the Common Era calendar, do Ramadan begins about 10 days earlier each C.E. year, cycling through every season, over a period of about 33 years. For those living in mild climates like the Northwest, summer fasting is not a problem, but in the heat of the Middle-East, Africa or Asia, fasting is a major test of endurance as well.
Ramadan is observed with great ceremony. Muslims may not eat or drink from dawn to dusk each day, but there are exemptions. Under-age children, the infirm elderly and the ill are exempt from the requirements of fasting. Those who are traveling, or women who are menstruating, may make it up afterwards.
For Muslims, fasting does not simply mean going hungry and thirsty. Hunger helps to develop an empathy with those who may be hungry because they have no choice. Going hungry does not give Muslims permission to binge in order to make up for the ordeals of the day, either. Islam insists that everything be done in moderation, so one may eat, but should leave some room in the stomach.
It is important to articulate the intention (“Niyah”) of fasting on the night before. This promise may not be broken unless one is injured or one’s health gives out. It could be said that for Muslims, this is the hardest month to endure. This month especially, Muslims cannot bear grudges, nor harbor ill-will or give in to rage, greed or envy. God’s intent is that such disciplines help Muslims become better people and better contributors to the community, from year to year.
To better understand how this helps improve the humanity of a person, try the following exercise for one or more days. Do not fast if your health is likely to be affected by fasting, if you are menstruating or pregnant.
Make the intention of fasting the evening before you fast. On the day of fasting, rise an hour before sunrise to eat a small meal; say a prayer or meditate for help with this act of fasting and bless those around you.
During the day, one may tell a lie, not even a little fib. (“I am sorry s/he is not in, may I take a message?”)
If cut off on the road, take a deep breath, bless the person and let it go.
Do not be in such a rush that you overlook the importance or the dignity of your fellow humans.
If you have ill-will toward someone, try to resolve the issue and not let it exist anymore. If you feel anger coming on, say a prayer seeking help and let the anger dissolve, or walk away.
Resist the impulse to “check out” a man or a woman; do not look at them with any sexual interest; look away.
If you cannot say something good, do not say something bad; do not swear.
Do not dwell on the day’s end when you can break fast.
Think of people who have no choice but to be hungry; can you do something to contribute for their betterment?
At sunset, break fast with a small fruit or bread and a glass of water. Stop for about 10 minutes to pray and thank God for His blessings upon you and for helping you keep your fast. Say a prayer for your friends, relatives and your fellow humans.
You may now eat your meal, but leave a little space for moderation.
Consider how such practices may help improve the person who does this every day, for a whole month.
Shawwal, the next Lunar month, starts three days of festivities called Eid-ul-Fitr. On the first day (Oct. 1 this year), Muslims congregate at large venues for prayers, wearing their best clothing. At the conclusion of Eid prayers, Muslims embrace and congratulate each other for the festive days saying “Eid Mubarak.”
I remember from my childhood that all younger friends and relatives traditionally visited the elders in their homes decorated with oil lamps or Christmas lights, offering Eid blessings. As children, we loved being given goodies to eat and the tradition of being given money on this day. We never got tired of that!
Jafar Siddiqui (Jeffsiddiqui@msn.com) is an American Muslim who lives in Lynnwood.
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