Ramadan - The Sanctified Month of Islam

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The lights of houses cheer up the dimmed neighborhood as night falls in. The aroma of freshly made food lingers in the evening air. Making the passers-by mouth water, it smells extra scrumptious to the people in their homes, who have fasted all day. The people who are fasting are observing Ramadan, a sanctified month in the religion of Islam.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, which marks significant events in the lives of Muslims. It is observed as a month of showing gratitude, fasting and prayers. During this month, people fast when there is daylight outside. Once the sun sets; families, neighbours and loved ones gather together to break their fast with a splendid meal.

The Feast
The fast is broken with the iftar. People commence their meals by eating dates, to honor the practices of Muhammad. Also, the dates help in keeping their energy levels high and the fibers help them to feel full for a longer time. The feast contains traditional meals, water, juices, dates, salads, and traditional desserts. Classic main dishes include lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, and roasted chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. The desserts are normally kunafeh, baklava or luquimat.
People also eat before dawn; this is called the suhoor (also spelled suhur). This is normally a pre-feast meal. This usually includes dates, eggs, oatmeal, etc.

Benefits of Ramadan
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them the skill of self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, compassion for the less fortunate and being grateful from an early age. This encourages them to act actions of generosity, and obligatory charity called the zakat. Many also encourage themselves to fast to remind themselves of those who don’t have enough eat.
Ramadan helps boost brain functioning, mental wellness and reduce stress levels. Study shows that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to generate new brain cells, improving brain function. Similarly, there is a diminution in the amount of the hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal gland; means that stress levels are greatly reduced both during and after Ramadan.
Ramadan is one of the finest times to throw the bad habits in the trash for good. Habits like smoking and drinking are prohibited during Ramadan. As you will go without them in the day, slowly but surely, the habit will be gone for good. Even though, this is not as easy as it sounds, no pain no gain!
As well as being great for spiritually cleansing yourself, Ramadan acts as a far-fetched detox for your body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month.
By not eating throughout the day, you’ll find that your metabolism becomes more efficient; meaning the amount of nutrients you absorb from food improves. This is because of an increase in a hormone called adiponectin, which is produced by a combination of fasting and eating late at night, and allows your muscles to absorb more nutrients.

Eid
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan. Eid celebrates the returning of the regular state of eating. Eid is celebrated with exchanging gifts, and visiting each other’s houses. There is a grand feast that includes a lot of food.

Reddhi Singh, Grade-7E, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavans Kuwait (I.E.S)