According to the the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim year. During this period, Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. It is during this time that Muslims grow spiritually by gaining a deeper understanding of their fellow brothers, sisters and most importantly: themselves. |
The holy month of Ramadan is observed around the world. The main purpose of Ramadan is to spend time by praying as much as possible, spend quality time with family and to abstain from eating and drinking between dawn to sunset. In addition to the aforementioned, Muslims are obliged to abstain from inappropriate speech and disregardful behavior. Ramadan is the time when Muslims have the opportunity to reflect upon themselves and make changes that are desirable to Allah. Fasting plays a crucial role during this holy month because it redirects people away from worldly activities and pleasures. This helps people focus on important world issues like poverty and religious conflicts.
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Poverty: When Muslims fast, they are able to step into the shoes of those who are on the poverty line. With this, people come to a realization about starvation and hunger. Hence, charitable deeds are encouraged and food wastage is kept to a minimum during this month.
Religious conflict: Alongside fasting, Muslims also abstain from sinful speech and inappropriate behavior as previously mentioned. This makes it the right time for people to spread love and humility so that the world may unite as one despite its differences. Hence, this would weaken the hatred around the world and cause fewer misunderstandings and wars that concern religions.
It is obligatory for all Muslim adults to fast, however there are some who are excused based on their circumstances which include: persons of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, diabetic, menstruating, travelling or elderly.
Religious conflict: Alongside fasting, Muslims also abstain from sinful speech and inappropriate behavior as previously mentioned. This makes it the right time for people to spread love and humility so that the world may unite as one despite its differences. Hence, this would weaken the hatred around the world and cause fewer misunderstandings and wars that concern religions.
It is obligatory for all Muslim adults to fast, however there are some who are excused based on their circumstances which include: persons of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, diabetic, menstruating, travelling or elderly.
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance
for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and
wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and
whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires
for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete
the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that
perhaps you may be thankful.”
The above is a translated verse from the Quran; chapter 2, verse 185