By Hajir Hasan, Sullivan Freshman and Duaa Raheel, Senn Senior
Duaa Raheel:
As Muslims from all around the world, including myself are at the beginning stages of Ramadan, a major holiday for Muslims, a time where everything is light and festive, a time for a new beginning, a time for new goals and teachings. To encapsulate what Ramadan is all about, let’s take a look at what it teaches us, humans.
Some Names for This Month
Is it the month of festivities, the month of spirituality, the month of light or the Holy Month? These are common substitutes names for this major holiday given by Muslims. What is so important about Ramadan? Why is it regarded as important by the Muslim community?
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month-long holiday in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. At this time Muslims are expected to not eat or drink, but it goes deeper than that. The holiday provides us with many different lessons and values that go beyond just learning the importance of hunger. In the month of Ramadan, there are certain traditions that many Muslims do to break their fast, one being they open their fast with dates and people always have a drink called roohafza which is mixed in with milk or water.
Values, Teachings, and Lessons
in the month of Ramadan, most Muslim families get together to break their fast; it is expected that everyone in the household breaks their fast together, which gives families who normally have a busy schedule to get together and spend time as a family. People also gather around with friends and family to open their fasts. Ramadan is particularly a socialization holiday, one where many go out to eat, eat with their friends and families and so much more. Of course, it will be a bit different this year as it was last year with a pandemic that doesn’t encourage social activities. I’m interested in seeing how it will turn out. It is one of the values of Ramadan, bringing people closer in the name of Islam. people are held together during this month and regain connections and human interactions.
Another lesson that the month of Ramadan teaches many to create a certain eating habit. We become wise with what we eat. In the month of Ramadan, since people fast from sunrise to sunset, they become cautious of what they eat. For example, they avoid salty foods because it causes thirst, and avoid any bad eating habits like candies and chips as they aren’t fulfilling. We learn to make our meals a bit more balanced and in turn our choices become more healthier for us as a whole.
And lastly a spiritual connection. Many people get the opportunity to connect to their religion and culture during this month, it’s a religious time for muslims around the world and a great opportunity for lessons and values to be incorporated into our daily lives.
Wishing everyone a safe and a delightful Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak!
Hajir Hasan
Ramadan during a pandemic
Ramadan is an Islamic month during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Muslims fast during Ramadan for a variety of reasons, including getting closer to God, developing self-control, and more.
Large gatherings are limited due to the pandemic, so praying in a mosque, out with relatives, or having muslim support groups for reverts can be difficult.
Staying home does have advantages and disadvantages but Aisha Adebisi, a Sullivan student said, “Fasting is easier since I don’t get to go out a lot; it drains me. I will also get lots of time to cook for Ramadan since I’m at home.”
But many of the students surveyed said the most difficult thing is not being able to go out with family and friends and also praying the nightly prayer which is usually prayed in mosques.
On Eid (holiday after Ramadan), many of the people surveyed are worried that getting together is still an issue, but are willing to take safety precautions to keep everyone safe.
