FeetDoTravel
  • The Blog
    • Guest Posts
  • About Us
    • Feet Biography
    • Where have we been?
    • Bucket List
  • Travel Booking
    • Hotels
    • Flight Search
  • Travel Shop
  • Work with us
  • Contact The Feet

Feet Do Blogging

Ramadan: Spiritual Exploration

19/6/2017

26 Comments

 
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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.

What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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.
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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!
  • 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.
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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.
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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. 
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"
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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
What is Ramadan When is 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.

What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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 Ramadan When is Ramadan
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
What is it like to be in a Muslim Country at Ramadan?
What is Ramadan When is 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.

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.
What is Ramadan When is Ramadan
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.
​
If you like this post, please Pin and share it!
What is Ramadan? When is Ramadan? Why do Muslims fast? These questions and more are answered, as we spent the month of Ramadam in Indonesia, the world's most devout Muslim Country, at their most spiritual time. #Ramadan #RamadanKareem #Fasting #Muslim #Islam #Quran #Allah #GIliAir #Indonesia #GiliIslands #travelblog #travel #travelblogger #travelling
What is Ramadan? When is Ramadan? Why do Muslims fast? These questions and more are answered, as we spent the month of Ramadam in Indonesia, the world's most devout Muslim Country, at their most spiritual time. #Ramadan #RamadanKareem #Fasting #Muslim #Islam #Quran #Allah #GIliAir #Indonesia #GiliIslands #travelblog #travel #travelblogger #travelling

​The #FeetDoTravel blog link-up!
We are proud to host the #FollowMeFriday blog Linkup. If you have a blog post you would like to share, feel free to click on the picture below which will take you through to our Facebook Community and drop your link there. The link-up is open from midnight Friday morning (UK time) and will close midnight (UK time) Sunday evening. We are a fun and loyal group who are more than happy to comment, share and reciprocate! Happy Travelling Feet Fans!
Picture
26 Comments
Travel4lifeblog link
24/6/2017 03:18:02 am

Wonderful post guys! Thanks for sharing a very informative and positive post about Ramadan! Lucky you, you got to experience Ramadan in Indonesia, we heard that it is very special:) We had the chance one day, to attend the famous feast after the Ramadan at a friend's house! It was amazing :) Patrick and Cécile :)

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:35:39 am

I'm so glad we had a chance to be in Indonesia for this special time of year,. You get to find out so much about a country when you own down and be a part of it and I love that we are experiencing so much here!

Reply
Sara Farooq
30/4/2021 02:28:50 am

Beautiful write!
Nice Information.
Helpful for me.

Reply
Samantha (Vibrant Yogini) link
25/6/2017 12:38:45 am

It was really interesting reading about Ramadan and hearing it from a locals and authentically Muslim point of view, as when you learn about this in school it is all text book! I didn't know that they had to give up water and negative emotions too. It must be so hard, but it just goes to show how disciplined they are in that heat. I love the community gathering around for breaking the fast and celebrating each evening with fireworks. The food probably tastes amazing! Thanks for sharing! P.s. I still haven't made it to the Gili Islands yet! Definitely will on my next trip to Bali :)

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:37:24 am

I learnt so much being here that I wasn't aware of before, like giving up water and controlling negative emotions ... it's fascinating! Yes when you return to Bali, come to the Gilis :D

Reply
Tracy McConnachie Collins link
25/6/2017 07:24:51 am

Really enjoyed reading this post. It must be amazing to experience Ramadan in Malaysia. I have utmost respect for anyone able to fast - it must be incredibly difficult particularly not having water if you are in a hot country but what a sense of community when everyone breaks the fast every evening.

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:40:53 am

Learning about a religion and culture by being a part of the community is the best way to be educated in my opinion, and I have learnt so much! Indonesians are so friendly and happy, especially on Gili Air, it was great to be here for Ramadan.

Reply
Julz link
25/6/2017 01:36:23 pm

I think a lot of non muslim have a big misunderstanding of Ramadan. I have also lived in Indonesia (Bali though, so it only counts half) - but also Jordan and Maldives - and I always found it fascinating how devout people are. I have done iftar many times and the spirit is amazing. I agree with you, fasting and looking ones action never hurts. Quite the contrary. Thanks for the great post!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:42:32 am

I agree, it is fascinating how devoured people are in Indonesia (and elsewhere around the world) , people should take time to learn more about other cultures :D. So glad you had a chance to experience this for yourself as well.

Reply
Paul and Carole link
25/6/2017 01:49:50 pm

I didn't understand the rationale behind Ramadan and this answers all the questions. This is an educational post that I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing. #feetdotravel

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:44:12 am

Before spending time in Indonesia, I didn't understand the rationale of Ramadan either, but when I found out, I was fascinated and humbled in equal measures :D I'm glad you had a chance to learn from this post because I certainly learnt a lot.

Reply
SamH Travels link
25/6/2017 07:10:47 pm

I was aware of some of the reason around fasting but I didn't realise all of the reasons you outlined. I also did not know that a percentage of a persons wage is given to charity or the poor. You are quite right, it is very humbling. Thank you for sharing this very informative post ;)

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:45:43 am

I'm happy to hear you have learnt something from this post as that was my intention, I also learnt a lot myself so a double win :D Yes, their dedication is humbling, we could all learn from them.

Reply
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) link
26/6/2017 02:09:53 pm

Wonderful post and very enlightening. I did not know that much about Ramadan but did know they fasted but not the reason why. Very informative and how amazing they give to charity. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:47:08 am

Thank you Stephanie, I'm glad you feel enlightened, there is so much behind fasting and it's just so interesting to hear the reasons.

Reply
Garth link
27/6/2017 01:33:31 pm

Really interesting read Angie. I knew some of the basics of Ramadan but not the true reasons behind it. Having no water must be a real strength of will power especially if it's hot outside. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:48:48 am

Giving up water definitely shows willpower and the reason behind their dedication are so humbling, we could all learn from them. It's interesting how little we know of this important time of year and I am happy to hear you have learnt something as well :D

Reply
Lauren link
28/6/2017 04:29:47 pm

I've learnt so much about Ramadan from your post! I'd never really thought about it before thanks for sharing!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:49:57 am

Thanks Lauren, it's great to hear you have learnt something, I personally feel it's such an interesting subject :D

Reply
Michael (TheBoysAbroad) link
28/6/2017 07:53:13 pm

I've always been intrigued by Ramadan but have avoided googling it as have wanted to hear firsthand! I think this is the perfect balance. I had no idea that it was expected to donate to charity or that it was forbidden to be angry. I think I'd really struggle but would love to try it at one point!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:51:14 am

I have also been intrigued by Ramadan and I'm happy I have been able to get a more in-depth view. Willpower is amazing isn't it, I wonder how I would get on fasting ...hmmm :D

Reply
Siddharth and Shruti link
30/6/2017 03:42:29 am

Such an interesting point of view. We knew about the how and why of Ramadan. Did not know about the “Mohon Maaf Lahir Batin” It is similar to Jainism (another religion in India). It is fascinating to see parallels. Also, agree with you, we would also get hangry! How do they manage it!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:52:39 am

Great to hear the parallels you are able to draw from this post so thanks for sharing that. Haha, funny that you would become hangry as well :D

Reply
ThriftyTrails link
4/7/2017 08:22:25 pm

I knew some facts about Ramadan as I used to work with Muslim students and they taught me some things here and there but this gave me a lot more information. I remember fasting a couple times when I was younger for religious reasons very similar to those of Muslims. I couldn't fully comprehend why starving myself was helpful at the time since I was young but looking back at it I am glad I had that experience. Thanks for such an informational post Angie!

Reply
FeetDoTravel
17/11/2017 05:55:18 am

You are lucky to have been taught a few things about Ramadan, in the UK we know hardly anything and that is a real shame. The reasons for fasting throughout different cultures is such an interesting topic isn't it! Thanks k you for sharing your experience with us.

Reply
Nikki Johra link
23/5/2018 09:56:07 am

I was lucky to find Ramadan Spiritual Exploration. It has helped answer some questions.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.



    Feet Do Travel Support Moalboal Eco Lodge
    ​

    sustainable, affordable accommodation in Cebu, Philippines. Click here to book your stay with them TODAY!
    Picture
    BOOK YOUR STAY!


    Blog Categories:

    All
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    Beach
    Blogging + Website Advice
    Borneo + Brunei
    Cambodia
    Camping + RV
    Canada + North America
    Caribbean + Cruising
    China And Hong Kong
    England + UK
    Europe
    Green And Ethical Travel
    Hiking And Trekking
    India
    Indonesia
    Malaysia
    New Zealand
    North America
    Oceana
    Philippines
    Practical Advice
    Road Trip
    Save Money Tips
    Scuba Diving
    Singapore
    South America
    Street Art
    Thailand
    Usa
    Vietnam
    Wildlife


    We ALWAYS use Booking.Com for our hotel bookings. Click here to search now!
    Picture


    Picture

    Featured in Lonely Planet's Top 5 Posts for August 2018
    Lonely Planet Pathfinders badge image

    Picture


    Visiting Cebu, Philippines?

    Moalboal Eco Lodge has gorgeous native bamboo huts nestled amongst palm trees. With partial outdoor rain shower and private terrace, it's the ideal place to welcome you to the Philippines.
    Picture
    BOOK YOUR STAY!


    Privacy Policy
    Our Privacy Policy
    Our Cookie Policy

    Affiliate Links Disclosure:

    Feet Do Travel are affiliated with respected brands which we use and endorse, including  Booking.Com, World Nomads Insurance and Amazon.
    ​The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commission by linking to amazon.co.uk. When you click on a link to purchase, the price remains the same for you, however the small amount of compensation we receive helps to keep the Feet Do Travel website running. ​​

Home

About us

Services

Menu

Contact

  • The Blog
    • Guest Posts
  • About Us
    • Feet Biography
    • Where have we been?
    • Bucket List
  • Travel Booking
    • Hotels
    • Flight Search
  • Travel Shop
  • Work with us
  • Contact The Feet