Fasting in Ramadan

 by Sarnaz Hossain

Qur'an Chapter 2, Verse 185

Due to Ramadan steadily approaching, I have decided to write this article to shine light on why and how people fast in the holy month of Ramadan from the perspective of a practising Muslim. 

Firstly, Ramadan, in the year of 2021, is commencing on 12th/13th April, which is decided by a moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. It begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon, as Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This is said to be the most sacred month and it is obligatory for all adult Muslims to observe a fast between sunrise and sunset. So, you may have heard or known about most of these things. However, for those less familiar, here is a daily routine on a day of fasting.  

As fasting starts at sunrise, Muslims wake up before this to get the first meal of the day. Usually this is extremely early, at around 4 am. This meal is called sehri/suhoor and it can consist of many different foods. Some people decide to each have a heavy meal, where others typically go for a lighter alternative such as cereals. Then we stay awake for the morning prayer as during this month for every act of worship that is completed the reward is multiplied tenfold. After praying, we go back to sleep, if possible, for another couple of hours. Then, we spend the daylight hours abstaining from food, drink (including water) and any general bad behaviour if possible. 

During the month of Ramadan, some Muslim families try to completely read the Qur'an, as the goal is to increase the spiritual connection one has. When approaching sunset, it is correct for all of the family to pitch in to help create the meal to break the fast which is called Iftar. This is a large meal, which at the time of breaking fast doesn't seem like enough until 15 minutes later. In addition, in this sacred month many Muslims, on top of their five prayers, decide to partake in an extra prayer called taraweeh, which takes place later in the night around 10 pm and is a long prayer that can last over two hours. 

Even though, during the month of Ramadan, sleep can clearly start to become an obstacle that needs to be dealt with, after a couple of days of getting used to it, fasting isn't as hard as some people may think - in fact, it becomes the norm. In addition, Muslims feel a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for what they have in their lives, whether it be food, drink, family or friendship. Furthermore, the unity felt being a part of a larger family of Muslims around the world doing the same things and breaking fast at the same time fills you with great pride and happiness. I would, therefore, urge anyone during this month if not to fast to still participate in being grateful and unified in whatever actions that are performed.