By Amina Ali
Ramadan is finally here and over 40,000 Muslims in Leicester are embracing themselves in this holy spiritual month. The hunger pangs, the smell of fried samosas and long nights in prayer all add to the feeling of festivity. However, for all the non-Muslims, it just feels like a regular March.
The holy month, while such a blessing, can often come with a ton of awkward questions that get asked year on year. So, here’s the answer to a few of those questions and statements from Demon’s resident Muslim, Amina Ali, so you don’t have to ask.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a spiritual month for Muslims around the world, which ends with Eid al-Fitr. During the month, we will abstain from food, drink and other things from sunrise to sunset. It is also known as the month of the Quran. The Quran is the Islamic holy book which was revealed to Muslims more than 1400 years ago. This means that Muslims will spend more time reading from the Quran and take part in extra acts of worship.
How do you know when Ramadan starts?
Muslims live by the lunar calendar, so our months are different than the Western calendar. On the 29th night of Shaban (the eighth Islamic month) people wait for a crescent moon to be sighted. Ramadan starts the day after a crescent moon is sighted. This is the same for when Eid starts.
So if you ask a Muslim when Ramadan or Eid is, they will always give a vague answer because we don’t know until the night before. It makes taking annual leave very difficult.
But why do you do it?
The simple answer is because Allah (God) told us to. The Quran states:
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.” (2:183)
By abstaining from something as simple as food or water, we become more mindful of God and what blessings he has given us. Fasting should teach us self-discipline gratitude and humility.
Think about it. How many times do you actually appreciate that we have clean water and food on the table when so many others don’t?
So, you don’t eat or drink all day? Isn’t that dangerous?
Not 24/7, that would be very dangerous indeed. Muslims will break their fast at sundown. It’s often done with a date, as this is what the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) did. After we break our fast, we have Iftar, which is the meal after we break our fast. Just before sunset, we will have Suhoor/Sehri, which is the last meal before we start our fast again.
If done properly, fasting can have many benefits on the body including maintaining blood sugar levels, blood pressure, strengthening immune systems and so much more. Islam encourages us to keep well hydrated and eat healthy balanced meals, even outside of Ramadan.
Not even water?
Yes, not even water.
What about gum?
Nope, no gum.
Can’t you just sneak some?
No. Intentionally breaking the fast is a major sin, so Muslims avoid doing so. The fast would also need to be made up later.
So yes, while we could sneak some and no one could know, God always knows.
What if you break the fast by accident?
Accidents happen, so it’s ok if a Muslim unintentionally breaks their fast. Once they realise, they can carry on fasting as normal and it does not have to be made up.
How do you survive?
Knowing that Muslims around the world are doing this can be a great motivation. As for not eating or drinking, many Muslims are well versed on how to fast for long periods of time. While it’s hard during for the first few days, our body adapts. Then it becomes a piece of cake.
(A piece of cake we can’t eat).
Does every Muslim have to fast?
No. Fasting is a spiritual challenge and should not a threat to health. Those who don’t have to fast include very young children, the elderly, women who are menstruating, pregnant or experiencing postnatal bleeding and those who are travelling.
However, those who aren’t fasting can still reap the benefits of Ramadan. Cooking for a fasting person, praying and giving to charity are a few ways those who can’t fast get to experience the rewards of Ramadan.
Pro tip: If you spot someone eating or drinking during Ramadan, mind your own business and move on.
Can I eat in front of you?
The answer to this question can differ depending on who you speak to. Most Muslims are completely fine with people eating in front of them. Just because we are fasting, doesn’t mean you have to.
In fact, many Muslims regularly watch food content online. We’re used to it, so don’t stress about it.
Do you lose weight while fasting?
A few people can, but it requires strong determination. Many Muslims actually end up eating more in Ramadan than any other month. However, the one thing we always remember is that this is the month for spirituality, not for excessive feasting.
What do you do after Ramadan?
Ramadan will end with Eid-al-Fitr, which is a massive celebration. We will dress up in new clothes, cook special dishes, take part in congregational Eid prayers, visit family, give gifts and so much more. The traditional greeting we give to one another is ‘Eid Mubarak!’
That’s all the questions I can answer for you all. My final tip for non-Muslims during Ramadan is this.
Be open minded. Fasting may seem silly to you, but to us this is the most exciting time of the year. Yes, it’s difficult but we love that familiar Ramadan feeling. The hunger pangs, thirst, long nights in prayer, family Iftars and the sleepy-eyed Suhoor’s makes Ramadan such a blessed time.
Photo by Rawan Yasser on Unsplash
