Ramadan Kareem is Arabic for “Have a blessed Ramadan.”
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is known as the holy month of the Islamic Calendar. Muslims all around the world will be observing Ramadan this month, fasting for 30 days from sunrise until sunset as this is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the day, no food or drink can be consumed. The only time it is prohibited to do so is when the sun has set, until the sun rises again. Although the hours of fasting will change for each country, in the UK Muslims will be fasting for approximately 18 hours this year and continuing with their normal life.
Why fasting?
Fasting is one of the foundations of the Islamic faith. It is an opportunity to pray, reflect and come together as a community. During this month, Muslims donate to those in need. Usually, if we were not living in these unprecedented times, every mosque in the UK would hold, what is known as, an Iftaar. This is the meal that is given at the end of the day to break the fast. Every mosque, without exception, will have enough food to feed anyone who turns up at their door. No discrimination, everyone is equal and welcomed. Perhaps it is the only time when the poor and the rich are equal? Despite your socio-economic background, everybody comes together and eats. This is a bigger celebration in Muslim countries, where they would set up tables in streets or particular parks to ensure that everyone is fed.
What else happens during Ramadan?
During this month, Muslims believe that Allah (God) is forgiving us for our sins. We donate 2.5% of our savings to the poor. Every Muslim is expected to donate a sum of money that would equate to a single person’s meal for a day (this is usually around £20). This money is then donated to the poor or those who are not as lucky as us.
What’s your personal experience?
Personally, I always find the first day the hardest. However, the remaining 29 days are easy. I usually get asked “How do you cope without food or water for so many hours?” I know that I am going to eat eventually, I just need to be patient and reflect for the time being. At times when I do feel very hungry or thirsty, I remind myself of those who are not as lucky as myself and who do not know when their hunger or thirst will end. Ramadan is an opportunity for me to be thankful for, what I see as, the basic things in life. Usually, I’d invite my friends and their families over to eat with us in the evenings, we would set up two full tables of food to break our fast together. We would pray, and thank Allah for having the privilege to eat. It is a full month of worship, and it is my favourite month of the year. This won’t happen this year, unfortunately. However, I’m going to ensure that I am thankful for having a house, food and water and I know that when better days come we can celebrate it.
How does Ramadan end?
At the end of the holy month, we come together with everyone and celebrate what we know as Eid. It is a 3 day religious celebration of observing Ramadan (and eating as much as possible for those 3 days!)
Ramadan Kareem to everyone observing this holy month and I hope that it brings peace and prosperity to everyone.