Ramadan Kareem
It is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan celebrated by Muslims, who follow the religion of Islam. It began on September 12, 2007; and lasts for approximately 29 to 30 days.
The routines followed during this holy month for Muslims is to fast between the time of dawn until sunset. So an early breakfast before sunrise and fast until sunset. The fast is broken at the call for the evening prayer with the family. Customarily, the fast is broken with a glass of water and date.
During the fast, Muslims have to abstain from hunger, thirst, sexual activities, and use of explicit language. Overall, controlling one's self from committing any sins during the day and praying consistently to get closer to God. It is essential for Muslims to pray 5 times each day and read the Holy Book of Quran/Koran.
Muslims pray exactly 5 times a day and these prayers are performed on fixed given times. The first prayer takes place before dawn, second in the early afternoon, third in the late afternoon, fourth is the evening prayer and fifth is the night prayers. Each prayer is divided into units and should be read in the language of Arabic.
After the 30 days of Ramadan, a celebration called Eid-Al-Fitr takes place. It is a short praying ceremony that takes place in a big convention center, gathering all Muslims of the area. Everybody dresses up in all but new clothing. After the short prayer, there are activities that take place later in the day such as putting heena on palms of hands, eating delicious foods, visiting friends and families, gifts are exchanged, etc. This year's Eid-Al-Fitr is proclaimed to be on October 13, 2007.
Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims.
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Very informative post. I always wonder about other holidays and how they are celbrated.
I know that my questions will probably be dumb but I like to learn as much as I can when presented an oportunity, so please do not laugh at my lack of knowledge;)
Out of curiousity, and I am sure it will be had to answer' doesnt eating in the morning make the fasting feel worse? or is that the purpose?
Is the featsing like binging without the purge or is held calmly to maintain. I know when I do not eat for hours I tend to over eat alot and feel way to full to be comfortable.
~Curious
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
Hi
First of all Im geniuenly grateful and appreciative for your compliments and questions.
Eating in the morning, which is before the dawn prayer, does not make the fasting either worse or well. However, it does kick starts your digestive system to digest the food and while the process takes place, your stomach tends to growl. For me as a Muslim, its nothin out of the ordinary to experience hunger in between of the day, but keeping yourself with worship and other work helps passing time until the time to break the fast which is at sunset and before the evening prayer takes place.
Your second question's answer is that yes when I break the fast, I tend to eat a bit more than usual, but not as much to be full above my neck. When we break fast its usually starting with a date and glass of water and fruit salad. Then we attend to the evening prayer, followed by dinner. After performing the night prayer comes an end to the day.
I hope I answered your questions in my best capabilities. If you have any further questions do feel free to ask me in the future, or you can use internet as your resource.
Sincerely,
Nidah
Thank you for replying so well but I do have another question.
What age do you start participating at? Is it a work your way up to a full holiday or do they just start at a certain age?
I know christians and jewish people socialize their children into the 'holiday spirit' at a really young age but I suspect a less one year old would come close to dieing if not feed often. Just wondering how similar it was.
~Curious
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
i can give you from my own personal and religious experience
most things like this in Islam are actually supposed to be told and actively asked of children after the age of seven (my own brother didn't keep regular fasts until the age of 12 which is not considered a good thing but ny parents said you shouldn't make kids do it)
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
http://www.progressiveu.org/231615-this-is-a-muslim-girls-plight
That makes sense.
I wonder if it varies from family and ...I wanna say sect or orthodixness but I do not think those are the right words.
Any response from someone who knows is good so thank you and I hope your fast makes your strong.
~learner
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
I am pleased with your questions and I apologize for not including the information in my post.
At the age of puberty child is supposed to begin fasting during the month of Ramadan, pray 5 times a day at the age 7, and begin reading the Holy Book of Quran/Koran as early as the age of 4 and half.
I hope this answeres your questions and if you need any further assistance, do feel free to ask.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Nidah
I have a very close friend who celebrates Ramadan. It looks like it takes such will power. She always complained at the lunch table how hungry she was... and she would lose so much weight.
Complaining during the time of fasting is a sin because Ramadan is about having sense of control and being involved with religious activities to get closer to Allah.
Loosing weight is not a deal for everyone during this month of Ramadan because as I informed earlier, it is about self-decipline and not just on food or drinks, but on your daily routines.
but this is so much more clearer and to the point and really informative. THANKS:)
I totally forgot to mention Eid-Al Fitr since right now, we are only at the 4th fast and Eid seems so far away.
EDITED TO ADD- for people who don't know... Ramadan is the month when the Holy Qur'an was started and finished (it was through a process of memorization at first that the Prophet learned what needed to put in the book. from the angel Gabriel (it's what we believe)..We Muslims believe that Allah SWT is the one who is talking to us through the Qur'an and the book is in essence the way of life for a Muslim (atually it is for all men and women because Islam is for everyone and anyone) and has so many lessons and stories that are supposed to teach us what is right and allowed in Islam and what is not allowed and is wrong.
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." - Twain
Thank you for adding further information on my topic, I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Nidah
and i love your post because it gives the information in a very straightforward manner
When I went to do Taraweeh at the masjid near my house I basically had a refresher course and lecture by one of our Islam experts at the masjid
and of course, why is Ramadan so important he asked? and so yeah, we went into the whole story of how this is the month when the Qur'an started to be transcribed or told to the Prophet (SAW) and it is also the month when the book was finished :)
keep posting, there are not a lot of Muslims on here and plus I don't know nearly as much as I want to but I try and get more information
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
http://www.progressiveu.org/231615-this-is-a-muslim-girls-plight
Thanks for the post! I have asked several Muslim friends of mine what Ramadan is and what it entails. Many have told me they will discuss it with me later, and as usual, later never comes.
I am always interested in other religions and their traditions. I have a copy of the Quran that I fully intend to read one day.
Yours in Crisis,
ER Adam
I know what you mean! They always give me some vague answer and promise more details later. I've learned more here than I have from any of my practicing friends!
Thank you for the overwhelming compliment.
Thank you for the compliment ER Adam.
I honestly feel honored to be any help to you, if you have any further queries please feel free to question me.
Sincerely,
Nidah
P.S. The Holy Book of Quran/Koran is a manual to the journey of life for mankind.
really imformative...thanks for posting.
Thank you for sharing your kindness with me and your compliments are heartfully appreciated.
I'm so glad that someone posted a blog on Ramadan. I was going to post one, but everytime I wrote it I didn't know if it was clear enough for people who don't know anything about it to understand. It's also good to know i'm not the only Muslim on here. Very good post, and nice comments as well. Keep posting blogs on Ramadan, its good for people to learn about our religion.
-Ramadan Kareem-
Thanks for posting about Ramadan, it certainly does give an opportunity to share with other bloggers an idea of what Islam asks of Muslims and how it relates to our everyday lives. Being educated about different cultures/religions is the first step to tolerance. Ramadan Kareem to all!
I really appreciate all the feedback I get and this was my first post and Insh'Allah many more interesting topics will be uploaded in the coming future. So stay tuned!
http://progressiveu.org/222330-it-takes-strength-to-listen
there's a girl in my psych. class who's also fasting -- and it's crazy how tired she is at school. respectful though that you guys are so dedicated.
I was about to drop or faint or fall asleep, I had classes from 9 til 4:30 with two one hour breaks in between and I was so dead (mentally and physically somewhat) by 4;30
and one of the classes was chemistry with lab and yeah, that was not fun
BUT I made it! yah..
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
http://www.progressiveu.org/231615-this-is-a-muslim-girls-plight
Allah, the most merciful and the most generous, saw your determination and he took care of you.
I can not beleive it...your encouragment of your fellow brought tears in my eyes....You guys are so awesome.
Walk in peace.
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
Pregnant or breast feeding mothers, women on their monthly persiod, ill and the old people are excused from fasting during the month of Ramadan.
My mother is a diabetic and has to consume foods at certain times to keep her sugar levels balanced. Due to her illness, she cannot fast and Allah has excused her fasting.
My uncle has diabetes too and he tried keeping a fast this year but he barely made it and we explained it to him to not fast but he said he just thought he should try it. But he is excused too..
"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."
http://www.progressiveu.org/231615-this-is-a-muslim-girls-plight
Try to delete your extra one. and thank you both for mentioning the excusability, I was about to ask...or did I... ah anyway thank you.
all truths are easy to understand once discovered; the point is to discover them ~galileo
I use to work at Subway from 9-3, then have class from 4-9, during Ramadan. Even though I was working with food all day long and then class the rest of the day, then spend the whole night doin homework, I didn't complain, because I have faith in Allah.
Self discipline and belief can help anyone get through anything.
My dad also takes medication which requires him to drink and eat during the day, so he is forgiven as well.
Im so glad that there are other people on here that I can share experiences with, people with such open minds!
Ramadan Kareem!
Way to go Cml567!
Do not laugh at me but do you mean you have to abstain from ALL of the sexual activites to include fantasy and discussion?
Wait did asking cause a problem, Iam sorry if it did.
Wow there is no way I could do that.
...that includes ALL sexual activities. Its called self discipline for a reason :)
I appreciate your questions.
Yes having any sexual activity during the fasting period is prohibited, including discussing about it.
It is all about self-discipline and control over your behavior, abstaining from commiting sins, and getting closer to your creator and strengthening your belief in your faith.
After hearing how Ramadan is celebrated, I wonder how they control their food cravings because there's no way I could go without food, all day because I get cravings.
Well I'm sure that I have stated crystal clear that Ramadan is about self-control and devoting your time worshiping Allah(God).
Us Muslims have been doing this from the proper age of puberty and we just cannot say it's not our cup of tea and ignore it. It is about our priorities and how we organize them from the most important to less and craving comes in the less important category.
Thank you for your comment.
It's good to actually know a little about what the holiday is all about. You hear of it, but not really about it. I've read the Koran, but honestly don't know much about Islamic celebrations or customs, and I like knowing even just a little bit.
Peace
Tahni
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"Tell me - if no one ever hears what you say, then why don't you shout it?" -- Floater
It's been one week, Ramadan Kareem to all!!!
Last Ramadan I celebrated it in Palestine, it was first time ever being there for the month of Ramadan, because normally my family and I go there for the summer only, but after I got married last summer we stayed there a little longer.
It was so beautiful to actually be there during Ramadan. My husband's family also lived next door practically to the mosque, so when it was time to pray the Adthan (call for prayer) filled the house, it was amazing.
*Wish I was there now*.....
Ramadan Kareem
Yes I know what you mean.
When I was in India this past summer, we stay near a mosque and whenever it was prayer time, the Adhan just filled my heart and soul with peacefulness. I just love that feeling and I never found it any other way.
Wow Palestine? Which part? I have a friend who is from there, but she was born and raised here in the U.S.
Ramadan is a holiday, which brings families closer together, surrounded by happiness and peacefulness.
Ramadan Kareen to all!
El-Bireh, Ramallah, in the West Bank. I was born and raised here as well, but we go back every 1-2 years to visit relatives. I love it there, just wish it could go back to the way it used to be....peaceful.
All the informations from u are appriceable
The message written below might be laughing but please try to understand.
if u dont mind I have some questions about the rules during ramadan
I m a hindu boy from india and I dont know much about ramadan
I also believe in all the relegions
I m one of those indian hindus who keep roza
but it is my drawback that I dont know about the rules and regulations
my questions are:-
can I sleep during fast?
Can I brush my teeth during roza?
Can I shave?
how to release fast?
or it is compulsory to release fast at exact the time of IFTAAR?
I hav a problem that I have to go to coaching in evening and it is for 2 hours from 5 to 7 and the time of iftaar is of about 6.30. so what can I do regarding this?
can I take meal after releasing fast and can I take water again before starting fast?
Is it compulsory to break roza with reading namaaz (as I dont know how to do it)?
and one more question that can I go to toilet during fast period?
And also please tell me what to do or what not to do on this holy month?
I will be very thankful to u for ur reply.
"It is so simple to be happy but it is so difficult to be simple."
I appreicate ur queries regarding Ramadan and fasting as a hindu.
Yes u can sleep during the time of fasting as well as use the restroom. You are permitted to do anything you do on a regular basis except focus more on worshiping, abstaining from committing sins, and forming a closer bond with Almighty.
It is compulsory to break the fast at the only time of iftar and then perform the evening prayer. You can eat or drink anything to break your fast. You can brush your teeth during the time of fasting, but make sure the taste of toothpaste is not swallowed. You cannot insert anything in your mouth, not even water until the time given time of iftar. After you break your fast at iftar and commit your evening prayer, you can have your dinner.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Nidah,
I have been following the thread here, and I wonder if you would mind terribly one more question regarding Ramadan? And, if other contributors have opinions, I would welcome their input, as well.
I am in a relationship with a Saudi, Muslim man. I not only love this man, but respect him. His commitment to, and observation of, his faith have given me a great deal of admiration for him. As I'm sure you can imagine, the relationship is subject to some ... limitations that would not be present in a relationship between two non-Muslim Westerners. I accept these compromises, as I believe this man is worth my patience.
All good intentions aside, though, for the second year in a row, I am experiencing what seems to be a near total-breakdown of my relationship during Ramadan. He is not speaking, e-mailing, accepting my phone calls or meeting with me. I am feeling very frustrated and hurt ... but your comments above lead me to believe that possibly his observance/interpretation of Ramadan necessitates our complete separation, since intimate thoughts seem to be as off-limits as actions during this time.
Or, maybe he's just being a jerk :) I know it's almost Eid anyway, but ...
At any rate, if anyone has any insight of opinion, please post!
Thanks to Nidah and all,
Portieux
Well I have no right to be judegemental upon your relationship with a partner from Saudi.
I admire you for respecting his religion beliefs and most of all, for being patient with him during this month.
As I stated that during the holy month of Ramadan, one has to avoid performing certain actions while fasting and avoiding intimate interactions is indeed one of them, but I am really not sure why he isn't communicating with you?
Well I hope that all worksout for both of you.
Eid Mubarak to all!