Ramadan explained for our non-Muslim friends |22 April 2021
Our Muslim friends have started the month of Ramadan since last Tuesday.
What is Ramadan? It is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which fasting was prescribed. “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious” (Qur’an 2:183). It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The end of fasting, Eid Al Fitr, is likely to be marked on Thursday May 13.
What is Faith (belief) in Islam? It is to believe in six principles: (1) Oneness of God (Allah); (2) His angels; (3) His scriptures (Revealed Books); (4) His Messengers; (5) The Last Day (Resurrection) and (6) The divine destiny.
What are the Islamic pillars? (1) Declaration of faith; (2) Five daily prayers; (3) Annual Charity; (4) Fasting in Ramadan and (5) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life.
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan in fulfilment of the 4th pillar of Islam. Fast is abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn till dusk (sunset). It is believed that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and criterion (Qur’an 2:185)
Why we fast – Firstly to become pious (i.e. to observe the commands and prohibitions of Allah as prescribed in the Qur’an); strengthen or redevelop our spiritual relationship with God; cultivate or strengthen our will power to leave off bad habits; hoping for Allah’s reward for doing it and in appreciation of Allah’s blessings and countless favours.
What a typical fasting day in Ramadan day looks like? The day starts with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and Fasting starts from dawn (Fajr). Fasting ends at sunset (maghrib) with iftaar (meal for breaking fast) and at night Muslims engage in extra evening prayer (Taraweeh).
What else happens in Ramadan? As Ramadan is the month of tremendous virtues the Muslims exert therein their efforts in the performance of all kinds of good deeds such as: reading the Qur’an, reflecting and acting upon it, engaging in acts of generosity, being eager to provide food for the fasting person to break their fast, seeking forgiveness for past sins as it is a month of forgiveness.
How do I wish someone well on Ramadan or Eid (Festival)? Blessed Ramadan (Ramadan Mubarak); Eid Mubarak.
Seychelles NATION wishes all the Muslims of Seychelles Ramadan Kareem.