Wednesday 28-04-2021 - 11:01

WHAT IS RAMADAN?

Ramadan, Arabic (Ramaḍān), in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Ramadan is a month of fasting and abstaining from things and activities considered to be impure for the mind and body. Those partaking in Ramadan abstain from food, drink and impure thoughts between the hours of sunrise (Fajr) and sunset, allowing them to focus on prayer and connecting with Allah (SWT).

The act of fasting is important because it allows the individual to understand the pain and suffering of those around the world who live their lives in poverty and famine, leaving the individual feeling more grounded and grateful for all that Allah (SWT) has given them. At the close of the month, Zakat donations during Ramadan are made and then Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with loved ones. Eid is a wonderful time of feasting and celebration for Muslims, with gifts exchanged between loved ones.

WHEN IS RAMADAN 2021 UK?

The lunar calendar rotates by roughly 10-11 days each year, meaning that the exact dates of Ramadan change on a yearly basis.

All dates and times are subject to confirmation and sighting of the moon, but Ramadan 2021 UK is expected to start after sunset on Monday 12 April, with Wednesday 12th May being the last day of fasting.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN AND WHY FASTING IS SO IMPORTANT

Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night—that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It was ordered in the Qur’an and is expected that all able Muslims (those who are mature and in good health) should fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
During this time, fasting is more than just abstinence; it is a means of worship and for Muslims to feel a closer and deeper connection with Allah (SWT). Fasting allows each individual to understand what it means to go without and to learn patience with oneself and those around them, as well as compassion for those less fortunate.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

The five pillars of Islam refer to the five main practices that Muslims should follow:

    Shahadah (faith)

This is the reciting and profession of the Islamic faith. ‘Shahadah’ translates to “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. This is the most sacred statement in Islam and should be recited with full understanding of and belief in its meaning. Shahadah is recited by muslims in their five daily prayers.

    Salah (prayer)

This is the term for the ritual prayer that muslims perform five times a day. This practice unites Muslims across the world at each specified time as they pray facing the direction of Kaaba in Mecca. This is an integral part of the lifestyle of a Muslim.

    Zakat (almsgiving)

This is the practice of giving to charity based on one’s wealth. It is expected that Muslims who earn over a certain amount of money (known as the nisab) will donate 2.5% of that wealth as Zakat. This should be used to help and relive the suffering of those less fortunate.

    Sawm (fasting)

Sawm is the act of fasting which is practiced by Muslims during Ramadan. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, sexual relations and displeasing speech from sunrise until sunset. By practicing Sawm, Muslims are showing their devotion to Allah by having a sense of control over their desires.

    Hajj (pilgrimage)

Hajj is the highly spiritual and sacred pilgrimage that is performed by millions of Muslims every year. Muslims travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina to perform it.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DATES

Dates are easily digested, making them a quick source of energy and nutrients.

Dates are high in sugar and vitamins such as potassium and magnesium as well as an excellent source of fibre and carbohydrates.

Eating dates after a long day of fasting can help the body's blood glucose levels quickly return to normal. They are also known to help with digestion and can prevent an upset stomach when eating large amounts of food after a long period without eating.

The Quran mentions dates 23 times. It is a symbol of wealth and abundance and has a special place in Islamic history and cultures. Indeed, Muslims consider date palms, and their fruit sacred.

Dates are a staple on iftar tables during Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad's humble iftar table always had dates. At iftar time, Prophet Muhammad used to break his fast with either a few fresh or dried dates or a sip of water.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast is held called the Eid al-Fitr. During this celebration, it is popular for families to host a feast for family and relatives in which dates are very popular along with other foods such as honey, breads, figs, fruits and olives.