Ramadan: "Describe what happens at the fast of Ramadan"

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Emma Williams 10SW

GCSE RS Coursework

“Describe what happens at the fast of Ramadan”

The practice of abstaining from eating (and sometimes drinking) for a certain period of time is known as fasting.  The word Ramadan is derived from ramida or ar-ramad, meaning extreme heat.  The month is named after this to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach because of thirst.

Muslims acknowledge five rules or beliefs as ‘pillars of faith’.  These are Shahadah (to declare their belief), Salat (to pray five times a day), Zakat (to give a certain amount of money to charity), Saum (to fast) and Hajj (to make a pilgrimage to Makkah.)  “Worship Allah, be steadfast in prayer, fast during Ramadan, pay alms to the less fortunate...”1 Saum, the fourth pillar, is practised during the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Arabic calendar, and during this time Muhammad received his first message from Allah.  “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So anyone of you who witnesses the month should spend it in fasting...”2 It is the month of fasting (not eating or drinking) between the hours of sunrise and sunset.  Muslims must also refrain from having sexual relations and thinking or committing evil thoughts/deeds (such as envy, stealing, rivalry and lying) throughout this time. “If you do not give up telling lies, Allah will have no need of your giving up food and drink.”3 Nothing must enter the mouth (including chewing gum and cigarettes) or nose (including intentionally sniffing any substance, such as perfume).  Injecting nutrients into the body is not allowed.  However, kissing, water unintentionally swallowed in the shower and brushing the teeth without swallowing is permitted (although some devout Muslims do not use toothpaste during this time.)  Muslims can visit the dentist during Ramadan (as any substances entering the mouth are excused in this situation.)

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Ramadan falls eleven days earlier each year, because it starts when the new moon is sighted (it comes once in a lunar calendar year.)  “When Ramadan begins, the gates of heaven open, the gates of hell are closed and the demons are chained up.”4 People begin fasting just before fajir (dawn) and end after imsak (sunset), when there is the first evening prayer (maghrib).  The food that breaks the fast after sunset is called iftar (although most Muslims don’t eat a lot here because often the night time feasting is so sumptuous!)   After the day’s fasting, family and friends get together and celebrate. ...

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