What are the Dos and Don’ts in Ramadan?
Islam is the second largest religion in the world, following closely behind Christianity with over a billion devotees. Majority of Islam followers originate from Asia, particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. In the Philippines, the Muslim community is estimated to be about eight million.
One of the most important months for the Muslims is the Ramadan, and every year, devotees from around the world collectively observe and celebrate this event.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is considered to be the holy month of fasting. Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar, the exact date of Ramadan varies every year. For 2022, Ramadan will fall on April 2nd and will last until May 2nd.
During this period, Muslims practice fasting or abstaining from eating food. They are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset while children are expected to fast only when they reach puberty (usually around the age 0f 14). This is their way of showing their faith and devotion to God or Allah.
Another essence of Ramadan to become more sympathetic and compassionate to the less fortunate and poor by experiencing hunger. Aside from getting closer to Allah, they will also learn how to be grateful in life and extend help and generosity to those who are in need. Ramadan also encourages Muslims to change their bad habits and circumstances to improve their way of life.
The Meaning of Ramadan
Ramadan’s historical roots can be traced back to 610 A.D. where Muslims believe that during that time, a caravan trader wandering through the deserts of Mecca (now Saudi Arabia) heard voices coming from the night sky. It was the Angel Gabriel telling the man name Mohammad that he had been chosen to receive the words and divine revelation of Allah. Since that eventful night, Prophet Mohammad started preaching about the verses which were transcribed into what we know now as Quran. The holy book has 114 chapters and is believed to contain the exact words of God.
During Ramadan, Muslims recite and pray the verses of Quran inside mosques. This practice is known as tarawih. The scripture is completely recited by the time Ramadan ends.
The Rules of Ramadan
Muslims are expected refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset during the time of Ramadan. But aside from that, consuming alcohol, smoking, engaging in any sexual activity (including impure and immoral thoughts) are also prohibited.
Aside from practicing self-control, fasting is also a way to cleanse the soul. Muslims still perform their everyday tasks such as going to work or attending school while some takes this opportunity to visit mosques more frequently and read the whole Quran.
The meal (typically dates, whole grains, or brown rice) taken at sunrise before fasting is called suhoor, while the meal taken after sunset before reciting evening prayers is called iftar.
What are Dos and Don’ts in Ramadan?
Things to Do During Ramadan
1. Recite the Quran- Ramadan is believed to be the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad by Allah, so one should recite the holy book as often as possible. This is also a great time to communicate with God and reflect the teachings of Quran.
2. Offer Prayers- Muslims pray five times a day; this practice is known as Salat and is one of the components of the Five Pillars of Islam. These daily prayers include Salat al-fajr, Salat al-zuhr, Salat al-‘asr, Salat al-maghrib and Salat al-‘isha which helps Muslims ask forgiveness and guidance from Allah.
3. Do charity works- Zakat, another pillar of Islam, is a form of charity work where Muslims offers a percentage of their wealth to those who are in need in the form of food or money.
4. Maintain celibacy- Ramadan is a month to practice self-discipline and control, not only in eating foods, but also in engaging in any sexual (physical or mental) activity.
5. Show respect- Ramadan encourages the Muslim community to be forgiving, compassionate and tolerant to foster brotherhood and unity.
6. Dress appropriately- Avoid dressing in revealing and tight-fitting clothes. It is important to wear modestly, not only during Ramadan but also in everyday life.
7. Wish Your Friends- Another common custom in Ramadan is to bless your friends, family, and loved ones with wishes and shower them with gifts.
8. Encourage unity- Pray and eat together with your family and friends to strengthen your relationship and bond with them.
What You Shouldn’t Do During Ramadan?
1. Do not consume food or any beverage during fasting period- Of course Ramadan is all about fasting, so refrain yourself from eating and drinking.
2. Don’t hold grudges- Ramadan encourages one to be compassionate and forgiving so take this time to reflect to those who wronged you (may be it intentional or not) let go of those grudges. Also, take this time to ask forgiveness from someone and the Almighty.
3. Chewing gum- Chewing gum during Ramadan is prohibited as it is considered to break the fast.
4. Don’t listen to loud music/songs- Devotees take this special time to pray, reflect, ask forgiveness in order for them to grow spiritually. Playing loud music can cause hindrance to their activity. If you want to enjoy some music time, better to wear headphones to avoid causing any disturbances.
5. Don’t waste time- Use your time wisely during this holy period. Maximize your time doing worthwhile activities like praying and strengthening your relationship with Allah. Avoid slacking off and oversleeping.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr, also known as Feast of the Fast-Breaking, marks the end of Ramadan and usually lasts for three days. During this periods, Muslims dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and lanterns, eat special meals, and give presents and treats to children and their loved ones.
This is also a time to thank Allah for giving them the strength to fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Whatever you religion may be, it is important to respect other people’s belief and traditions.
