The Holy Month of Ramadan

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred period of the year amongst the Muslim community as they observe strict fasting and engage in communal prayers apart from the five obligatory prayers that are to be recited daily. They praise, glorify and humble themselves before God in an act of selfless devotion and prostration. Ramadan 2024 is set to commence from March 10 and end by April 9. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims take it very sincerely each year. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast every day from dawn till sunset. Its objective is to improve discipline and get more rooted in Islam. Some may begin to fast earlier while others may keep it for later. However, it is mandatory that they abstain from food, drinking as well as smoking. A pre-dawn meal is common and breaking of the fast at sundown is usually done with dates and milk to imitate how prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast. Later, this is followed by a fuller meal after the evening prayers. It is meant to take place at the time of adhan of the Maghrib prayer. The fast- breaking evening meal is known as ‘iftar’ which is usually heavy and consists mainly of sweet and savory treats. Some individuals are excused from fasting temporarily or permanently due to reasons such as poor health conditions. Culture also plays an important role on how Ramadan is observed. Some may give primary importance to fasting while others may see it as a time for socializing, visiting family and friends with an effort to increase their acts of service and adoration. The need to provide help and assistance to the poor or the destitute is also emphasized during this time of the year. Students are also excused from classes, exams, assignments and presentations that require focus, mental clarity or physical activity. As we prepare ourselves for the month of Ramadan, let us hope that it brings immense spiritual reflection, development and self-improvement.