‘You should worship Allah as if you are seeing Him; for He sees you’ Hadith.
Ramadan ends with the great feast of Id-ul-fitr. Most Muslims go outside to see the new moon appear and it is a time for great rejoicing. Food is carefully prepared for this feast, with Muslim shops staying open all night and day for a few days beforehand. Decorations may be put up, cards are sent, gifts and sweets are prepared for the children, houses may be painted or smartened up, and money is collected for the poor. On this day there is no work or school, and there is a great holiday spirit with people calling on friends and congratulating each other, and people may wear new or their best clothes. Families will pray together and then eat together the most appreciated meal of the whole month the following lunch time, the first meal eaten at midday for over a month. Some people may visit the cemetery to remember loved ones. It is a day of forgiveness and love.
‘Everything has a spring and the spring of the Qur’an is the holy month of Ramadan’ Imam Baqer.
Muslims have extra tasks to do during Ramadan. More time is spent on prayer and reading the Qur’an with many performing an extra prayer with either eight or twenty rak’ahs after the night prayer. Mosques may also arrange extra lessons for people to learn about their religion, and many will make an effort to attend prayers each day, not just on Friday.
‘The Qur’an says ‘attend regularly to your prayers, including the middle prayer, and stand up with all devotion before God.’ (Surah 2:239)
Some Muslims stay at the Mosque for the last ten days of the month, during which Laylat-ul-Qadr is celebrated. The Id day is also the last day for sending a special payment, Zakat-ul-Fitr, an extra charity payment during Ramadan.
‘Spend you wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to ruin; and do good. Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent’ Qur’an 2:195.
There are many reasons why Muslims fast, mostly they are to do with the benefits that people gain. The first is that Muslims gain a feeling of togetherness and equality, or Ummah, whether they are rich or poor. Everyone follows the same rules of the fast and then enjoys food together when it is over. This pulls everyone together more as a religion, and helps them to gain companionship through shared ordeals.
‘When you see the wealthy, the powerful and the famous sitting on the carpeted floor next to the poor and eating the same food, you see the true spirit of equality, which Islam has brought to mankind’ The Independent, 2nd May 1988.
By fasting, the rich and people who always have food get a better understanding of what it must be like to be poor or starving, and not be able to eat just what you want when. It is hoped that this makes people more charitable to the poor and needy. People may also gain a more caring attitude and be able to see different lives and points of view, and to develop more sympathy for them.
‘In fasting they have the chance to share some of the anguish of hunger and poverty experienced…they learn to be increasingly grateful and generous’ The Muslim Guide page 26.
Ramadan also helps Muslims to appreciate all the good things they have everyday, and not take them for granted. They learn to thank Allah for all the good things in life, including food.
‘There are many who fast during the day and pray all night, but they gain nothing but hunger and sleeplessness’ Hadith.
During Ramadan, Muslims will also learn more self-control, particularly as this starts from a very early age, and includes the majority of people. They may learn to resist temptation, and find that this becomes easier as time goes on. Fasting breaks the cycle of bad habits and afterwards allows people to start afresh. Muslims will hopefully overcome selfishness, greed and laziness.
‘The purpose of fasting in Islam is to control passions and thus making one a person of good deeds and intentions’ Islam. Sawm and Hajj.
Ramadan teaches Muslims to be disciplined, and it is this that is important, not just the going without. It teaches people also how to endure hardships, and makes them people who do not go to extremes. Ramadan may be an opportunity to prepare for any sufferings in later life.
‘Putting up with a small amount of hardship teaches a person to have patience and perseverance and develops the qualities of courage and steadfastness in the face of difficulties’ Ramadan and Id-ul-Fitr page 13.
The final benefit of Ramadan is that throughout the whole month people will constantly be reminded of how important it is to worship Allah. The act of fasting during daylight hours is a constant reminder of their beliefs, and they may devote the time they would have spent eating, drinking and doing other forbidden things during Ramadan, to prayer instead. This will help them to gain spiritual strength.
‘O people, a great and blessed month is near at hand…It is the month of endurance and the reward of endurance is Paradise’ Shu’ab Al-Iman; Selection from Hadith no. 61 page 34 to 35.
The night of power, or Laylat ul Qadr, is particularly important during the month of Ramadan. It was the night on which the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad by the Angel Jibril. Traditionally Muslims celebrate the night of power on an odd numbered day during the last ten nights of Ramadan, often held on the 27th day of Ramadan, although the date is not certain.
‘Better is the Night of Qadr than a thousand months. On that night, the angels and the Spirit by their Lord’s leave come down with His decrees. That night is peace, till the break of day’ The Qur’an 97:3 to 5.
Muslims recognise the Night of Power by staying awake and offering special prayers or recitations of the Qur’an when God sends down his commandments. Some spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in this way. This is a religious retreat, spent in religious study, prayer, and meditation. On this night the angel’s came down and blessed all those who remembered Allah. Muhammad’s wife noticed that on this day he prayed harder than on any other day, which is why Muslims pray particularly hard on this night.
Ramadan
Ramadan is important because it was during this month that Muhammad was visited by the angel Jibril, and the Qur’an was revealed to him. It is, therefore, a special month for Muslims, as it was the start of their religion. They remember the Night of Power by fasting (Sawm), or going without food or drink during the daylight hours of this month, which encourages them to pray more, and concentrate harder on the Qur’an.
Fasting during Ramadan is also important because it is the Fourth Pillar of Islam, and a duty and act of worship, which was commanded for them in the Qur’an by Allah. The Five Pillars are the basis of Muslim faith, and without them Islam would not really exist. The Pillars are Shahadah, the declaration of faith, Salah, prayer 5 times a day, Zakah, the giving of money to the poor, Sawm, fasting during Ramadan, and Hajj, making the pilgrimage to Mecca.
‘Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you’ The Qur’an. Surah 2:183.
The prophet Muhammad set Muslims the example of fasting during Ramadan on being told that the new moon had been seen. As Muhammad was Allah’s messenger on Earth, Muslims try to follow his example, the Sunnah.
‘Upon this the holy prophet observed fasting and ordered the people to observe the fasts of Ramadan’ Selection of Hadith no. 55.
Another importance of Ramadan is that it teaches self-control. Muslims must have enough self-discipline, not only to resist the temptation to eat all day for the entire month, but they must also not over indulge after sunset. If a Muslim completes the fast, they believe that they will be rewarded by going to Paradise. Ramadan is very important to Muslims, as it shows total obedience to Allah, and to show this is one of the most essential aspects of Islam.
For Muslims, helping the poor and needy is the duty of everybody in the society. For Zakah, one of the Five Pillars, it is compulsory to give 2.5% of their savings to Islam in order to support these people. Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to understand how people who are starving must feel. They may realise that they will only be hungry until sunset, but for people living in poverty there is no end to their hunger. Islam also teaches that during Ramadan the Ummah, or Muslim family, is united. It shows equality, as the Qur’an instructs that all healthy Muslims must fast together, regardless of their financial condition, or position in society.
‘Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was set down… so every one of you… should spend it fasting.’ The Qur’an. Surah 2:185.
This may affect the lives of Muslims in many ways. It may affect people spiritually, physically, morally, and in a personal way. Spiritually, fasting during Ramadan may cause people to feel closer to Allah, as they spend more time reading the Qur’an, and praying.
‘You start feeling a bit hungry about four o’clock. But if you start feeling hungry you read the Qur’an.’ Muslim boy describing what fasting is like.
They also believe that they will be rewarded in an afterlife. As Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Muslims should follow the Five Pillars to be rewarded in Paradise.
‘You fast because you’ll get rewarded in life after death.’ Muslim boy talking about fasting.
‘You will not enter Paradise until you have faith.’ Hadith.
Muslims fast and concentrate on the Qur’an, in the hope that the world can be a better place in the future, for everyone. Ramadan is a time when their beliefs can be emphasised, and put into perspective.
‘Each year, Ramadan brings a promise of renewal and hope for the world.’ Bill Clinton.
There are many aspects of fasting during Ramadan that affect Muslims in a physical way. For instance, the actual going without food and drink makes them tired, hungry, and bad tempered, whilst going without things such as caffeine and cigarettes is very hard, as these people are physically addicted. This type of personality change could make relationships strained and social situations difficult.
‘I got a bit bad tempered, and sometimes I had to lie down in the afternoon. I wanted help with my jobs and became very slow and sluggish.’ Aishah. A new Muslim convert.
Being tired could make people’s jobs more demanding, especially if they involve physical work, such as a bricklayer. PE in school might be more difficult for Muslim children who are fasting. Tiredness from fasting could also cause people to lack concentration, and, in some jobs, such as a surgeon, this could be problematic and even dangerous. However, regardless of the physical effects of fasting on Muslims, keeping Sawm should not be seen as a chore but as a gift from Allah. Ramadan is not a holiday where Muslims are not required to work, because their normal duties apply, and they should not be prevented from continuing with their normal lives, aside from eating and drinking. Muslims must have a positive attitude towards fasting, and not allow any fatigue or irritability to interfere with their lives or extend to other people.
‘If you cannot give up hatred and enmity, there is no need to give up food and drink.’ Hadith.
Another physical side effect of fasting may be loss of weight, although this should not be the objective. This can become of medical benefit, as people who suffer from heart disease are often overweight or smokers, so fasting during Ramadan can help to improve people’s health.
‘By fasting you slim yourself. But if you fast just to slim yourself, you are just wasting your time.’ Muslim boy.
Morally, Ramadan can affect the lives of people. Two Muslim boys who describe fasting explain that it helps them to understand how the poor and hungry feel. Even though they are only fasting for one day, and the poor have to suffer everyday, it at least gives an insight into what it is like to be starving, and to empathise with others less fortunate.
‘You feel the need of the poor and hungry. You’re only fasting for a day. You’re going to eat food at sunset. But they feel hungry all the time.’ Muslim boy.
Personally, Muslims can be affected by Ramadan in many ways. It can encourage people’s good qualities, such as bravery, and a sense of belonging. They may also feel closer to Allah, as they are showing total obedience by fasting during Ramadan. This could have the effect of making them feel like better Muslims, increasing their enthusiasm and dedication to the religion.
‘The first time I kept fast it was not that easy I can tell you! I felt brave and I felt like a true Muslim.’ Student from the Frenchwood Community Primary School.
Ramadan can make people feel that they are part of a larger family; the Ummah; the family all Muslims belong to. Being different from others may give them a sense of pride or pleasure, and encourage them in Islam. In an interview with a new Muslim called Aishah, she says:
‘It was rather nice to go on the streets and see other Muslims, and know that we had a kind of secret, that passers by had no idea what we were up to.’
Some might find keeping the fast difficult, particularly if they are surrounded by non-Muslims. This might be because of peer pressure or the fact that other people do not really understand. This may be particularly difficult for children, who may be offered sweets, or other treats, or who may not be able to attend social occasions, such as birthday parties, because of Ramadan. Bullying may also occur, as many people do not understand the importance of fasting, and some Muslims may experience racism.
‘As Fouzia had told most of my friends that I was fasting, I didn’t expect anybody to offer me any crisps, but I received exactly the opposite. Nearly all my friends offered me something.’ Nadia, a young Muslim girl.
Also on a personal level, it may be that people feel stronger about themselves and their religion if they manage to fast throughout Ramadan. They may gain an immense feeling of self-control, and after completing the fast they could feel a sense of self-achievement. In my research I found the story of a man in his forties, a convert to Islam, though an Englishman. During Ramadan he had hoped to go to Morocco to ‘escape the temptations of England’, but this was not possible. Instead he had to find the strength within himself to manage.
‘My next Ramadan? I am apprehensive but I now know the energy and help to expect from worship – it is the reward of Ramadan.’ The Muslim Guide.
In conclusion, there are many ways Ramadan may affect the lives of Muslims, which clearly shows its importance to them. It is important spiritually, personally, morally and physically, as I have shown.
“For Muslims fasting has both advantages and disadvantages”
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, the time of which is different every year, as it is based on the moon. Sawm, or fasting, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims must fast from sunrise to sunset for the full month. For Muslims, there are both advantages and disadvantages of fasting during Ramadan.
One major advantage of fasting is that it teaches self-control. Muslims might gain will power from the experience, and also a feeling of self-achievement and confidence, knowing that they have had the strength to complete the fast successfully.
‘The purpose of fasting in Islam is to control passions and thus making one a person of good deeds and intentions.’ Islam. Sawm and Hajj.
Another advantage of Sawm is that it brings the Ummah, or the Muslims family, together, and creates a sense of brotherhood. During Ramadan Muslims share a feeling of hunger, and they are participating in something that non-Muslims are excluded from, so this draws them together. At Eid-ul-Fitr, the celebration at the end of Ramadan, Muslims families celebrate together, visit the Mosque together and swap gifts. Zakat-ul-Fitr, a voluntary collection of money, is given to the poor, as Muslims now understand their hunger, and want to give money so that all Muslims can celebrate the end of fasting together.
‘Thus we have made an Ummah justly balanced; that ye might be witness over the nations.’ Surah 2:143
Fasting during Ramadan has the advantage for Muslims of being an opportunity for them to show their obedience to Allah. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which means that it is necessary that all Muslims who are physically able complete the fast. The word ‘Islam’ means ‘total obedience to Allah’ so Muslims do this by following his instruction to fast during the month of Ramadan. By fasting, they are also following Sunnah, the example set by Muhammad.
Sawm may also make Muslims feel closer to Allah. Fasting between sunrise and sunset for a month is not an easy task, but they are willing to carry it out for religious purposes. Doing this might make them feel like better Muslims. Also, for some Muslims, the time that would be spent eating is spent praying or worshipping. This could increase their understanding of the religion, and also bring them closer to Allah.
‘Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you.’ Surah 2:185
A large benefit of fasting during Ramadan is that after death Allah will reward them with paradise. Although this should not be the only reason for Muslims to fast, it is an advantage for them to know that there will be a reward for their efforts, and this could make them feel more enthusiastic about their religion, and about life in general.
‘It is the month of endurance, and the reward of endurance is Paradise.’ Hadith.
A further advantage for Muslims of fasting during Ramadan is that it helps them to understand, and have respect for the poor and hungry. Although fasting is difficult, they are able to eat before sunrise, after sunset, and any time other than the month of Ramadan, but people who are starving cannot have a meal at the end of the day. This makes Muslims more compassionate people, with a more caring nature towards others not as fortunate as themselves. This may also make them more generous during Zakat-ul-Fitr, and this would be an advantage to many Muslims who are poor or starving.
‘In fasting they have the chance to share some of the anguish of hunger and poverty experienced by the distressed and destitute of the world.’ The Muslim Guide.
The final advantage of fasting is that weight loss may occur. This may be a benefit medically, as many people with heart disease or high blood pressure are often overweight, and a doctor’s advice is weight loss. This may also benefit a Muslim by making them feel more confident in themselves, however, weight loss should not be the reason for fasting, as Sawm should be carried out for Allah, not for personal reasons.
There are also disadvantages for Muslims of fasting during Ramadan. A major disadvantage is the illness that could result. In extremely hot areas Muslims could become severely dehydrated, as they would not have had a drink from sunrise to sunset. Also, Muslims may injure themselves or others by not having enough energy to carry out their work to a high standard. An example of this might be a surgeon, where the work he does could mean the difference between life and death.
The tiredness caused by fasting could interfere with any job. They could therefore lose their job, or lose out on a promotion, as well as acquiring a reputation for being lazy and incompetent. Another result of this could be lack of concentration, which may cause problems at work and at school, as well as carrying out simple tasks at home.
A disadvantage of fasting is that a Muslim’s character might change, which could have effects on their personal and social lives. They may become listless, and lack enthusiasm for tasks they usually enjoy. This could cause others to feel rejected, and could negatively affect relationships. A fasting Muslims may also become irritable, which could cause arguments that could have otherwise been avoided, and destroy relationships. Other people may also come to resent the person fasting, as they could try to use fasting as an excuse for not performing their usual duties.
Another disadvantage of fasting during Ramadan is that it could interfere with social and family life. Eating with friends and relatives is seen as a very social event, and not being able to do so would limit a Muslim’s social activities. This may affect their relationships, as friends and relatives may feel that the person no longer has time for them. Family life could be affected, as it would often be necessary for a Muslim woman to cook for her family, and then be unable to eat the food. As, for some people, eating together is an important part of family life, not being able to have a meal together may cause tension, or cause distance between family members. Also, Muslims fasting are not allowed to inhale cigarette smoke, so if a Muslim’s friend’s are heavy smokers, it may be necessary to limit contact with them throughout Ramadan.
When a Muslim is fasting, this could draw attention to the fact that they are different. This could cause bullying and racism, as many people do not understand or respect other religions. Although this could be hurtful, it may have the affect of strengthening a Muslim’s character.
Although there are advantages and disadvantages for every Muslims across the world that is fasting during Ramadan, the negative aspects may be more apparent in non-Muslims countries. People living in these places, such as the UK, must rely on the strength of their beliefs, whereas Muslims in Islamic countries are able to rely on their friends, their family, and the Ummah. Fasting for healthy Muslims during Ramadan is not optional, as it is one of the Five Pillars, however, for them, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, as they are fasting for Allah.
