Observing the Blessed Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is such a sacred and spiritually enriching time for many around the world and it's a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, the fasting, from dawn to sunset, is meant to promote self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and closeness to Allah (swt).

In addition to fasting, Muslims often focus on increasing acts of worship, like reading the Quran, performing extra prayers (such as Taraweeh), and giving to charity and the final ten days are particularly special, as they mark the time when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and many seek to intensify their worship during this period, especially on the "Night of Power" (Laylat al-Qadr).

It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims. During this time, Muslims refrain from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behaviour as a way to purify the soul, practice self-discipline, and empathize with those in need and the fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, and the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor. As well as fasting, Muslims all around the world take part in additional acts of worship which include reciting the Qur'an and giving to charity, (collating good deeds) the month itself ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr which is a festival that marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of happiness, indulging on a feast and giving thanks. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are the fundamental customs that identify a Muslim’s belief and commitment.

Here are some key things Muslims typically do during Ramadan:

Fasting

The fast starts with a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and ends with the evening meal, iftar, which usually begins with the breaking of the fast with dates and water, followed by a larger meal. The fasting is a physical and spiritual discipline meant to increase empathy for the less fortunate and grow closer to God.

Increased Prayer

Muslims increase their prayers and recitations of the Quran during Ramadan and in addition to the five daily prayers, they often perform Taraweeh, extra prayers at night that are offered in congregation at the mosque. They are also prayed at home by the women and girls of the household, the Taraweeh namaz consists of praying the whole quran, each sipara is prayed each night, so in total 30 siparahs are prayed forming 1 complete Quran by the time Ramadan finishes.

 

 

Charity

Giving to those in need is emphasized during Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to be more charitable and often give zakat (almsgiving) or voluntary charity (sadaqah) during this month to support the less fortunate. Muslims tend to give charity on every Jumah (Friday prayers), however in the month of Ramadan, people tend to send money to the poor if they have been unable to keep their fasts due to health reasons.

Reflection and Self-Control

Ramadan is also a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, seeking forgiveness and it’s a time to control one’s desires, focus on self-discipline, and purify one's thoughts and actions. So particularly in this month, people tend to spend more time in doing good deeds and acts of charity.

Community

People often gather with family and friends to break the fast and attend the mosque for prayers, Ramadan is a time for communal worship and strengthening bonds with others and the fast is broken each day at sunset with a meal called iftar. The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called suhoor and refraining from eating during Ramadan offers numerous physical, spiritual, and psychological benefits.

Spiritual Benefits

Ramadan is an opportunity to grow closer to Allah and fasting is a way to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, and develop mindfulness in daily actions, it also helps build self-discipline, as it requires controlling desires and impulses (like hunger, thirst, and bad habits).  Feeling hunger and thirst firsthand promotes compassion for the poor, helping to develop a greater sense of empathy and kindness and Ramadan inspires people to contemplate on their lives, their actions, and to develop thankfulness for the blessings they have.

Physical Benefits

Keeping fasts gives the digestive system a rest, and many people find that they feel less bloated or encounter improved digestion after Ramadan, it can also help the body eradicate toxins and cleanse the system, as the body is able to reset its inner self. Intermittent fasting, which is a method of fasting observed during Ramadan, can help control blood sugar levels and mend insulin levels.

Psychological, Mental and Emotional Benefits

Fasting can lead to sharper thinking, as it often helps remove disruptions like thinking about eating and inspires a more watchful, motivated state of being and effectively completing a fast each day, especially when done in a community with shared rituals, can foster a sense of achievement and purpose. Praying also helps the mind to stay away from negative thoughts and depression, people tend to find it makes the state of mind stronger and resilient in the month of Ramadan. This important month for Muslims is an opportunity for many to take a step away from their demanding lives and find serenity in worship and reflection, leading to a reduction in stress and fasting can promote greater emotional stability, as the focus on self-discipline encourages people to manage their emotions more consciously.