Starting on Wednesday July 10th Muslims around the world will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. This holy month in the Islamic religion is called Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and is one of the 5 mandatory pillars of Islam.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is obligatory for adult muslims, and there are certain groups that are exempt from participating in fasting. Those include people who are travelling, ill, diabetic, pregnant, or going through menstrual bleeding.
Those who observe fasting commit to not eating or drinking any liquids from sunrise to sunset. Besides these two restrictions there are more restrictions that come along with completing your fasting. You must also not smoke, drink alcohol, and must abstain from engaging in sexual relations. In some extreme cases you must not swear at all either. Before sunrise those who wish to take part in the upcoming days fasting wake up and have a meal, and pray the Morning Prayer called Fajr. Again at sunset people come together with family and friends and break their fast, and thank god for all the food and blessings they have in their lives.
Being one of the most important, and meaningful months to Muslims around the world, Ramadan not only challenges people physically. It also challenges people mentally, spiritually, and religiously. During the 30 days of Ramadan Muslims aim to correct the flaws in their lives, and try to recommit themselves to Allah, and their faith, while making the positive change they want to see in themselves, and those around them.
Written by: Hamed Amiri
