If your Turkish colleague suddenly no longer wants to go to the canteen with you, don’t be surprised. All Muslims are called to Ramadan for several weeks every year. But why do Muslims actually fast for a month? The most important questions are answered here.
What is Ramadan?
The Islamic month of fasting commemorates the first revelation to the prophet Mohammed. The time is determined by a centuries-old monthly calendar and changes every year.
Ramadan goes back 10 days every year. Many younger Muslims in particular are finding it increasingly difficult to celebrate Ramadan. When they started it, Ramadan was still in winter. Then you can eat again after 5 o’clock in the afternoon. But in summer, you are not allowed to eat from 4 am to 9 pm.
Ramadan is also a time when unity and solidarity within and outside the family are central. Ties with family and friends are strengthened.
Is Ramadan an obligation?
Yes, for men and women, at least to the extent they are physically able to do so. Children start fasting from around the age of 12. In addition to the testimony of faith, prayer, poor tax and the pilgrimage to Mecca, Ramadan is a duty of all Muslims. The Qur’an states ‘I have vowed to the Merciful to fast (Chapter 19, verse 26).
As mentioned, the obligation to fast does not apply to children, while the terminally ill, pregnant women and people who have difficulty fasting due to their work are also exempt.
What other obligations does Islam have?
Fasting during Ramadan is only one of the five obligations of the Muslim, also known as ,the 5 pillars of Islam,.
- The Creed: There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his servant and prophet;
- The prayer: obligatory prayers five times a day facing Mecca;
- The poor tax: giving alms (money, clothing or food) to the poor;
- Fasting: during Ramadan between sunrise and sunset;
- The pilgrimage: make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life.
Do Muslims eat nothing at all during Ramadan?
However, the fasting commandment only applies between sunrise and sunset. Drinking, cigarettes and sexual intercourse are also undesirable during that time.
What customs are part of Ramadan?
- A nutritious breakfast before sunrise, and preferably together with the other family members;
- In the evening there is a feast, followed by prayers in the mosque;
- Finally, there is a three-day celebration, also called “Eid-al-Fitr”.
Can one still work normally despite the fasting period?
In principle yes, but in many companies Muslim customs are taken into account as much as possible: people are sometimes allowed to go home earlier and are exempted from heavy physical labor. Ramadan is also taken into account when scheduling staff.
Can you congratulate a Muslim on Ramadan?
Yes. At the start one can wish them a blessed Ramadan and a pleasant fasting month, and at the end a happy and blessed festival.
Eid-al-Fitr: how do Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan?
Muslims celebrate the end of Lent with Eid-al-Fitr. During Eid-al-Fitr, Muslims wear festive clothes with neat suits and dresses for the children. People prepare festive meals and give each other gifts such as fresh air. In that respect, Eid-al-Fitr is comparable to Christmas in the Christian world.
There is an increasing demand for Eid-al-Fitr products in shops and supermarket chains. Retailers are now actively responding to this:
- Lidl includes additional products in the range in the week in advance, such as Baklava, mejou dates, halal, and halal pizza;
- Retail chain Plus puts products such as puff pastry, chocolate, donuts and soups such as harira and chorba in the spotlight.
Ramadan news, what is that?
The Ramadan news appeared on television for the first time in 2011 and aims to inform people in an attractive, light-hearted way about Ramadan, the most important month for Muslims. The makers of the program emphasize once again that for them it is a month of reflection, characterized by extra prayers, reconciliation and solidarity.
The Ramadan news apparently meets a great need. Although one can hear, see or read in the media every year that Ramadan is starting, but that is usually sufficient. With the ram adan journal, the makers want to make a positive contribution to mutual understanding from now on.
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