Fasting

Ramadan has a special significance to Muslims because it’s the time when they can become close to god and concentrate on aspects of their life of which they wouldn’t have time for maybe throughout the year.

“Muslims believe that Ramadan is the time of the year when they concentrate on their relationship with Allah and develop self discipline” (Islam-Alan Brire 1991 pg.34)

So Muslims find that this month can bring them closer to their creator, and in a way learn to fully appreciate both Allah and the religion.

Muslims fast because its an obligatory duty and act of worship that is the fourth pillar, sawm. The duties of the five pillars are particularly important as they are commanded by Allah in the Qur’an, which are the messages of Allah himself, and of which Muslims live by.

(O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed to those before you that you may ward off evil) (Qur’an 2:183)

Another reason as to why Ramadan is special is because Muhammad set the example of fasting himself, and part of a Muslims life is to follow his example, a she was the last receiver of Allah’s messages:

(Upon this the holy prophet observed fasting and ordered the people to observe the fasts of Ramadan)(Sunan Abu Dawud; selection of haddithm No.55)

Fasting is also a chance to give more attention to prayer and the reciting of the Qur’an. The recitation is important to some Muslims, not all, because it means that the Qur’an would be present in the Muslim day and night. It’s also a blessing to the parents and grandparents of the one who recites it and they also get to feel they have played their part in the preservation of the holy book. People may have difficulty making time for prayer due to other commitments such as work and simple daily necessities. However, in that case, niyyah is always accepted by Allah, the intention to pray. So fasting offers more time and concentration on this particular aspect as Ramadan is a duty for all Muslims, who all ( except those excused: children, elderly, pregnant women, ill etc) take part willingly.

Normal everyday life is predominantly effected during the fast because commitments in today’s societies are much more demanding, especially in the work area. Muslims who have full time jobs will particularly find it difficult to fit in the time of the morning and night meal; especially as in non Muslim countries, they have to wake themselves up, whereas in Muslim countries, many are woken up by drum beaters or canon fire. Strenuous jobs will be harder for Muslims to carry out as Ramadan slows down the pace of life. It is especially difficult to fast in non Muslim countries such as Britain, where no allowances are made for adults and children. Everyday activities will be much harder as energy levels will decrease during the day.

(Children who are fasting may feel weak and tired during the day. Strenuous physical exercise such as swimming, and maybe concerned about swallowing water, which will break their fast) (The Muslim guide pg.49)

Teachers in Britain deal with the these difficulties by teaching that they are living in a multi-cultural society, and are respected, and should view the fast as something positive and not a nuisance to everyday life.

School life can be tough on a Muslim during Ramadan because the religion may not be understood and temptation might be high.

(“All my friends offered me something….I could see people lining up for school lunches…a girl started teasing me saying “would I like some cakes or doughnuts, or maybe some chocolate?”)(Eid Mubarak P12-14, Islam-Jan Thompson pg.51)

This was from a young Muslim girl in a British school, and despite her difficulties, claimed she enjoyed the fast so much that she wanted everyone to know what it felt like. Fasting can be even more difficult for people converting to Islam who has not been brought up to do it.

(“Past my mid-forties and accustomed to eating more than necessary and smoking like a chimney, I approached Ramadan with a growing apprehension. From Allah, I was given strength to fulfill both my spiritual and teaching obligations without great distress) (The Muslim Guide pg.27)

Smoking is extremely difficult to give up, so during Ramadan is even more, but with the help of

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