What You Should Know About Ramadan
Almost two billion Muslims around the world will begin fasting on May 16 or May 17, 2018 to celebrate Ramadan, a month-long fast of worship and learning self-restraint. Muslims will abstain from food, drink, and intercourse while fasting.
Muslims fast as an act of worship to God, described in the Quran: “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183)”
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month in which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk for 29-30 days. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the moon, in accordance with the lunar calendar. Ramadan ends with a celebration of ending the fast, called Eid Al-Fitr.
What does the fast entail?
Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn until dusk. Muslims practice good deeds such as giving charity, helping others, and attempt to rid themselves from ill habits such as gossiping, cheating, jealousy, and anger.
Who fasts? Who is exempt from fasting?
Muslims are required to fast once they hit puberty. Families often encourage younger children to practice shortened fasts, sometimes starting at 7-years-old. Those who are chronically ill or mentally disabled do not have to fast. Pregnant and nursing mothers are also exempt from fasting. They can make up the fasts at a later time. However, many pregnant women fast with no adverse effects to their children’s development.
How do Muslims celebrate Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims increase their worship in God by reading Quran, the holy book for Muslims, giving alms and charity, and doing good deeds. Muslims pray a night prayer after breaking their fast, called Tarawih, usually at the mosque in congregation. Muslims believe good deeds are increased in blessings during this month.
Are there any traditions associated with Ramadan?
Muslims come from all walks of life and therefore Ramadan is celebrated in various ways across the world. Some traditions include inviting family, friends or neighbors to their homes or mosques to break the fast. People usually break their fasts with dates and water.
How can people who do not celebrate Ramadan participate?
Give your Muslim neighbors baked goods.
Avoid scheduling work meetings around lunch meals.
Ask Muslims how they celebrate Ramadan and what it means to them.
Join an iftar party with your local Muslim neighbors and community. Colleges usually sponsor a Fast-A-Thon, a dinner which raises money for a cause.
How can I teach my kids about Ramadan?
Reading is a great way to learn about Ramadan. Here are a list of books on Amazon.com which share the experience of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr:
“It’s Ramadan, Curious George” by H. A. Rey & Hena Khan
“Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns” by Hena Khan
“Night of the Moon” by Hena Khan
“Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets” by Hena Khan
“Once Upon a Ramadan” by D.N. Hockey
“Raihanna’s First Time Fasting” by Qamaer Hassan
“Yusuf’s Ramadan Lanterns” by Jasmin Zina
“Ramadan Moon” by Na’ima B. Robert& Shirin Adl
“Under the Ramadan Moon” by Sylvia Whitman & Sue Williams
Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle” by Reza Jalali & Anne Sibley O’Brien
“Owl & Cat Ramadan Is…” by Emma Apple
