On our travels, we spent the month of Ramadan on the Indonesian island of Gili Air where this holy celebration is observed. Over a billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan and Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, so, it was the perfect place to learn about this annual tradition. It did occur to me that I have never delved deeper into this practice, and I started to ask myself questions to which I didn’t know the answer. I began to wonder how much other non-Muslims knew about Ramadan, how much they understood and if they knew about the good intentions behind it.
In todays’ world, there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misconception regarding the Muslim religion, so I wanted to attempt to help our Western culture understand more at this holy time of the Muslim calendar.
So I asked fellow Muslims the questions I had been pondering.
In todays’ world, there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misconception regarding the Muslim religion, so I wanted to attempt to help our Western culture understand more at this holy time of the Muslim calendar.
So I asked fellow Muslims the questions I had been pondering.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadam is the most sacred time of year for followers of Islam. During Ramadan, devout Muslims gain internal strength by fasting during this holy month for 30 days. Fasting begins in the morning before sunrise, and ends at sunset.
Ramadan marks that Allah (or God) gave the first chapters of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed in 610. “Ramadan” was named after the month within which it falls in the Islamic calendar (more on that below).
There are five pillars of Islam. Pillars (or duties) form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar.
The mosque will emit sounds of prayer throughout the day, providing guidance and encouragement for those fasting.
Ramadam is the most sacred time of year for followers of Islam. During Ramadan, devout Muslims gain internal strength by fasting during this holy month for 30 days. Fasting begins in the morning before sunrise, and ends at sunset.
Ramadan marks that Allah (or God) gave the first chapters of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammed in 610. “Ramadan” was named after the month within which it falls in the Islamic calendar (more on that below).
There are five pillars of Islam. Pillars (or duties) form the basis of how Muslims practice their religion. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar.
The mosque will emit sounds of prayer throughout the day, providing guidance and encouragement for those fasting.
Why do Muslims fast each year?
It’s not just Muslims who fast but many religions such as Christians, Jews and Hindus. It is believed fasting heightens spirituality and develops self-control, in fact, in the yoga principle, it is recommended that one maintains a spiritual fast on a particular day each week (Monday or Thursday) and on the full moon day of each month.
So I thought I would start this post by explaining why Muslims fast, because I personally think the reasons are very humbling!
Believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their Taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul gives harmony to the individual. It is believed one of the main ways in which sins and wrong doings will be eradicated is by multiplying our good deeds in the month of Ramaḍan.
During Ramadan, people try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be of good moral character and habits.
It’s not just Muslims who fast but many religions such as Christians, Jews and Hindus. It is believed fasting heightens spirituality and develops self-control, in fact, in the yoga principle, it is recommended that one maintains a spiritual fast on a particular day each week (Monday or Thursday) and on the full moon day of each month.
So I thought I would start this post by explaining why Muslims fast, because I personally think the reasons are very humbling!
- To build self-discipline and to become a better person.
- To develop compassion for the poor and needy who feel hungry every day.
- It’s a spiritually and physically cleansing experience. Just like other religions, fasting is seen as an opportunity to separate yourself from the things of this world and to concentrate on your relationship with God and become closer to him.
- An obligatory “poor tax” is paid by Muslims at the end of the fasting month and should total 2.5% of one's income. It’s paid to charitable organisations, neighbourhood groups or given directly to the poor and needy in the neighbourhood.
Believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their Taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul gives harmony to the individual. It is believed one of the main ways in which sins and wrong doings will be eradicated is by multiplying our good deeds in the month of Ramaḍan.
During Ramadan, people try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be of good moral character and habits.
When is Ramadan?
The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the 9th month lunar Islamic calendar, so the dates and even the month change every year. For example, in 2017 it ran 27 May - 24 June, Ramadan 2018 is from 16 May - 14 June. The Gregorian calender below shows you the dates in history, as well as for the future.
The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the 9th month lunar Islamic calendar, so the dates and even the month change every year. For example, in 2017 it ran 27 May - 24 June, Ramadan 2018 is from 16 May - 14 June. The Gregorian calender below shows you the dates in history, as well as for the future.
How did Ramadan originate and what exactly is required?
Now you know the reason behind the fasting, I hope you will remember this when you realise what they have to abstain from during this period, because it’s not just food!
The word Ramadan is taken from the word ramad which means heated by the sun, Ramaḍān was named because it burns the sins of the believers. This tradition was introduced in the second year of Hajra in 624CE, and is particularly important as it complies with one of the five pillars of Islam.
Now you know the reason behind the fasting, I hope you will remember this when you realise what they have to abstain from during this period, because it’s not just food!
The word Ramadan is taken from the word ramad which means heated by the sun, Ramaḍān was named because it burns the sins of the believers. This tradition was introduced in the second year of Hajra in 624CE, and is particularly important as it complies with one of the five pillars of Islam.
However, it’s not just food that isn’t permitted, it’s the drinking of any fluid (including water), smoking, marital relations, false speech (such as insulting, swearing or lying) and also getting angry. It is expected that fasters also make donations to poor and needy charities.
It is only adults (defined as those who have reached the age of puberty) and those who are sane that are expected to fast. Young children, pregnant or breast feeding women, travelling Muslims, the sick, those with long-term illnesses or the mentally ill do not fast. Menstruating women don’t fast during their period, but will be required to make the days up, as do anyone who is ill during Ramadan.
The end of Ramadam (known as Idul Fitri) is an important time for special celebration and feasts. It begins with mass prayer gatherings early in the morning at mosques or in open fields. When walking home from the prayers people may pay a quick visit to friends to ask for forgiveness of any wrong-doing they may have done throughout the year by asking “Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin” which means "forgive me from the bottom of my heart/soul for my wrongdoings in the past year"
It is only adults (defined as those who have reached the age of puberty) and those who are sane that are expected to fast. Young children, pregnant or breast feeding women, travelling Muslims, the sick, those with long-term illnesses or the mentally ill do not fast. Menstruating women don’t fast during their period, but will be required to make the days up, as do anyone who is ill during Ramadan.
The end of Ramadam (known as Idul Fitri) is an important time for special celebration and feasts. It begins with mass prayer gatherings early in the morning at mosques or in open fields. When walking home from the prayers people may pay a quick visit to friends to ask for forgiveness of any wrong-doing they may have done throughout the year by asking “Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin” which means "forgive me from the bottom of my heart/soul for my wrongdoings in the past year"
What is a typical day for someone who is fasting?
If someone is fasting, generally they will wake early in the morning maybe around 4am to have a meal then go back to sleep. A call to prayer from the neighborhood mosque is sounded which can sometimes be louder and last longer than normal as this is to encourage people to wake up.
If someone has a job then they will go to work as normal, however, the lack of liquid and food during the day (especially when it is hot) combined with an unusual sleep pattern, can take its toll. People may have reduced energy levels and can be seen moving and carrying out tasks at a slower pace, some may even find it more difficult to concentrate.
Some street vendors and warungs (local café’s) close during the day and restaurants may stop selling alcohol during Ramadan.
If someone becomes angry or has negative feelings towards others, it invalidates their fasting for that day so please be respectful and do not speak harshly to those who are fasting and be patient with them!
Around sunset, a call to prayer will sound from the mosque signalling the end of the fast. People usually have a very sweet drink such as coconut milk and sweet snacks before a proper meal. Some families prepare special foods, and prayers are made before the full meal is served.
How locals approach Ramadan
If someone is fasting, generally they will wake early in the morning maybe around 4am to have a meal then go back to sleep. A call to prayer from the neighborhood mosque is sounded which can sometimes be louder and last longer than normal as this is to encourage people to wake up.
If someone has a job then they will go to work as normal, however, the lack of liquid and food during the day (especially when it is hot) combined with an unusual sleep pattern, can take its toll. People may have reduced energy levels and can be seen moving and carrying out tasks at a slower pace, some may even find it more difficult to concentrate.
Some street vendors and warungs (local café’s) close during the day and restaurants may stop selling alcohol during Ramadan.
If someone becomes angry or has negative feelings towards others, it invalidates their fasting for that day so please be respectful and do not speak harshly to those who are fasting and be patient with them!
Around sunset, a call to prayer will sound from the mosque signalling the end of the fast. People usually have a very sweet drink such as coconut milk and sweet snacks before a proper meal. Some families prepare special foods, and prayers are made before the full meal is served.
How locals approach Ramadan
I don’t know about you, but when I am hungry I often become hangry; the word used to describe someone who is irritable, short tempered and snappy when they are just soooooo hungry! So imagine feeling like that for more than 12 hours a day, day after day for a month.
However, this time of year isn’t a chore, it’s a time that Muslims look forward to. Generally it isn’t the food they miss, it’s not being able to drink water and it’s often the first thing they reach for when breaking fast. At this time of year, the quietness is enjoyed as people around try not to have angry thoughts. For some, from the first day of fasting until the end celebration, it is enjoyed as being a time for learning and testing how much people know about the outside world. It's each individual’s inner strength and willpower that keeps them focused, that they are a kinder person, and more charitable. It is hoped this feeling will keep them going all year until the next Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time for celebration and sharing
As Ramadan is a time of celebration, fireworks and sparklers are often sold from street-side tables in readiness for the end celebration, however some children cannot contain their excitement and often start shooting rockets or lighting Catherine wheels in the evenings. We enjoyed watching children and their parents squealing with delight on many occasions as they watched the sky light up with colourful rockets after their evening meal.
However, this time of year isn’t a chore, it’s a time that Muslims look forward to. Generally it isn’t the food they miss, it’s not being able to drink water and it’s often the first thing they reach for when breaking fast. At this time of year, the quietness is enjoyed as people around try not to have angry thoughts. For some, from the first day of fasting until the end celebration, it is enjoyed as being a time for learning and testing how much people know about the outside world. It's each individual’s inner strength and willpower that keeps them focused, that they are a kinder person, and more charitable. It is hoped this feeling will keep them going all year until the next Ramadan.
Ramadan is a time for celebration and sharing
As Ramadan is a time of celebration, fireworks and sparklers are often sold from street-side tables in readiness for the end celebration, however some children cannot contain their excitement and often start shooting rockets or lighting Catherine wheels in the evenings. We enjoyed watching children and their parents squealing with delight on many occasions as they watched the sky light up with colourful rockets after their evening meal.
At the end of the day when breaking fast, friends and family come together to share a sweet snack or prepared meal. Some companies organise an Open Fasting evening where locals and foreigners come together for a buffet meal to all share this special time of day. We were lucky to be a part of Manta Dive when they held this celebration and it was wonderful watching everyone laughing, enjoying the delicious food and lining up for photographs with each other wearing huge smiles.
What is it like to be in a Muslim Country at Ramadan?
I personally felt very humbled to be around people at Ramadan. As this is the holiest and most spiritual time of year for Muslims, it was fascinating to speak to people and learn more about how they felt. We ensured we were culturally sensitive and didn’t go to shops or restaurants when people were breaking fast, after all, these guys were finally able to eat and drink and we didn’t wish to interrupt.
The sense of community and understanding from foreigners working with Muslims was wonderful. Every day I observed kindness, for example as soon as something heavy needed to be carried, non-Muslims would quickly jump up to take the load, often having to tell fasters they should be conserving their energy and not to worry about this particular task.
People who smoked would move away from those who were fasting so as not to be culturally insensitive and eating was confined to designated areas.
The sense of community and understanding from foreigners working with Muslims was wonderful. Every day I observed kindness, for example as soon as something heavy needed to be carried, non-Muslims would quickly jump up to take the load, often having to tell fasters they should be conserving their energy and not to worry about this particular task.
People who smoked would move away from those who were fasting so as not to be culturally insensitive and eating was confined to designated areas.
When I spoke to people about how they felt during this time, they would answer me with a big smile on their face and were proud of the kinder person they were attaining to become.
For me personally, all Muslims we have been around even outside of Ramadan have been so incredibly warm, selfless, caring and generous. I will never forget our time in Malaysia when we were cycling along a road, and were invited to share a wedding feast by the local people. It's a wonderful memory and was a very special time.
For me personally, all Muslims we have been around even outside of Ramadan have been so incredibly warm, selfless, caring and generous. I will never forget our time in Malaysia when we were cycling along a road, and were invited to share a wedding feast by the local people. It's a wonderful memory and was a very special time.
In my opinion, we can all learn something from this time of year. Maybe we should all think about a small period of fasting and use this to look at ourselves to see how we can become a better, kinder and more tolerable person.
Do you fast and if so, what do you feel you gain from this? Have you spent time with someone who is fasting at Ramadan or do you do this yourself? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Do you fast and if so, what do you feel you gain from this? Have you spent time with someone who is fasting at Ramadan or do you do this yourself? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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