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Ramadan: The Month of Fasting |
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How did fasting during Ramadan become obligatory for Muslims?
The revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammad that would eventually be compiled as the Quran began during Ramadan in the year 610, but the fast of Ramadan did not become a religious obligation for Muslims until the year 624. The obligation to fast is explained in the second chapter of the Quran:
"O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn self-restraint....Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide to mankind.Therefore, anyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting."
(2:183-185)
What do Muslims believe they gain from fasting?
One of the main benefits of Ramadan is an increased compassion for those in need of the necessities of life, a sense of self-purification and reflection and a renewed focus on spirituality. Muslims also appreciate the feeling of togetherness shared by family and friends throughout the month.
Perhaps the greatest practical benefit is the yearly lesson in self-restraint and discipline that can carry forward to other aspects of a Muslim's life such as work and education.
Is it difficult to perform the fast in Canada?
In many ways, fasting in Canadian society is easier than fasting in
areas where the climate is extremely hot. This year at least, the number of
daylight hours will be less than when Ramadan occurs during the spring or
summer. In Muslim countries, most people are observing the fast, so there are
fewer temptations such as luncheon meetings, daytime celebrations and offers
of food from friends. Many Canadian Muslims would prefer a daytime work
shift during Ramadan so that they may break the fast with their families and
attend evening prayers.
Why does Ramadan begin on a different day each year?
Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime, Ramadan will fall both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. In this way, the difficulty of the fast is evenly distributed between Muslims living in the northern and southern hemispheres.
How can non-Muslim co-workers and friends help someone who is fasting?
Employers, co-workers and teachers can help by understanding the significance
of Ramadan and by showing a willingness to make minor allowances
for its physical demands. Special consideration can be given to such things as
requests for vacation time, the need for flexible early morning or evening work
schedules and lighter homework assignments. It is also very important that
Muslim workers and students be given time to attend Eid prayers at the end of
Ramadan. Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas and Yom Kippur are to
Christians and Jews. A small token such as a card (there are Eid cards available
from Muslim bookstores) or baked goods given to a Muslim co-worker
during Eid ul-Fitr would also be greatly appreciated. Hospital workers should
be aware that injections and oral medications might break the fast. Patients
should be given the opportunity to decide whether or not their condition exempts
them from fasting.
Do people normally lose weight during Ramadan? Is fasting something that is healthy?
Some people do lose weight, but others may not. It is recommended that
meals eaten during Ramadan be light, but most people can’t resist sampling
special sweets and foods associated with Ramadan. If done properly, fasting
can also rid one’s body from physical impurities and toxins, according to many
health studies.
What are some of the traditional practices of Ramadan?
• Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water and dates
• Reading the entire Qur'an during Ramadan
• Social visits are encouraged
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