R.E Coursework 2306

  1. Describe what happens at the fast of Ramadan

        For Muslims, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Not only is it special, the ninth month is also drastically different to any other part of the Muslim calendar. The most obvious aspect of Ramadan, when viewed from outside, is the fasting undertaken by most Muslims. They are required to refrain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and smoking from just before dawn to after sunset every day.

        However, not all Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan, those who are young, (often below the age of 15,) old, ill or travelling are exempt.

        Extreme examples of fasting, rarely seen in non-Muslim countries even forbid the swallowing of saliva or phlegm. In strict Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, it is not uncommon to see Muslims carrying buckets with them in which to spit, preventing them from having to swallow their saliva, which would, in their eyes, invalidate their fast.

        Muslims will often eat one meal before dawn, “suhoor.” This is often eaten very early, and some Muslims return to bed afterwards.

         The fast is ended with a small meal called “iftar,” which is taken as soon as possible after the sun has set. Iftar often comprises of dates and a glass of water, following the example of Muhammad (pbuh).

        However, physical restraint is far from the only aspect of Ramadan. It also involves many spiritual restraints; Muslims must strive to avoid cheating and lying, whilst also making extra efforts to be charitable and to appreciate what they have. Despite these restrictions Ramadan is not only a time of restraint, as fasting,  self-control and moderation alone cannot make someone a good person or a good Muslim. Extra actions must also be undertaken. These can involve good deeds or charitable work, whether this be directly or through fundraising.

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        During Ramadan, Muslims may attend extra prayers, (“Tarawih”), each night at the Mosque. Every evening, one-thirtieth of the Qur’an is recited, so that, come the conclusion of the month, the whole Qur’an has been read. Muslims will strive to read the whole Qur’an at least once throughout Ramadan.

        Laylat-ul-Qadr, or the night of power, is when Muhammad first received the Qur’an. It usually occurs within the last ten days of Ramadan, and Muslims may celebrate it by spending the entire night in the Mosque, often reading the whole of the Qur’an.

        Throughout Ramadan, Muslims will often greet others with, “Ramadan ...

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