Ramadan, My Old Friend

"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you might remain God-Conscious." Qur'an 2:183 

As I deep-cleaned and decorated our house in preparation for Ramadan, I said to my family, "Ramadan is almost here!" and my husband replied with, "It's like an old friend coming to visit."  

"It's like an old friend coming to visit." 

Every year over a billion Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and is a time for spiritual growth and rejuvenation. The month includes fasting from dawn to dusk for all healthy adults, which means no eating or drinking during daylight hours (not even water!), no smoking, and no sexual intimacy with our spouse. Fasting is having taqwa, God-Consciousness, in all of our behaviors: fasting from our tongue as we refrain from talking about others behind their backs; fasting from any arguments and instead speaking more kindly to others; fasting from wasting time on such things as binge-watching TV and instead doing as much good as possible. 

We also spend more time in worship. For example, every night, prayers called tarawih are held at the mosque and can last for 1.5-2 hours. During the last 10 days many Muslims will stay awake through the night or attend the mosque more frequently than any other time of year. Another Ramadan goal for many Muslims is to read the Qur’an, the 600-pg Islamic holy book, in its entirety.  

In general, Muslims are encouraged to be the best version of themselves during this month, to give in charity, increase prayer and practice self-control. Ramadan is a time to reset and reflect on who we were the past year and who we want to be going forward.  We leave Ramadan with hope that we are renewed and refreshed in God's love and rewards.   

Ramadan is a time to reset and reflect on who we were the past year and who we want to be going forward.  We leave Ramadan with hope that we are renewed and refreshed in God's love and rewards.

When Ramadan is over, our old friend will leave us, wondering whether we were able to break free of our addictions, or if we will go right back to our old habits.  Insha'Allah (God Willing) we leave Ramadan closer to God than we started.  

Notes: 
• Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and the dates shift slightly each year. In 2022, Ramadan is expected to take place from April 2 to May 2. Ramadan begins when the moon is sighted and ends after 29-30 days on a holiday called Eid. Eid is the Arabic word for “festival” and is often celebrated with prayer, food, new clothes, gifts, and visiting relatives throughout the 3-day holiday. 
• You can recognize Ramadan by wishing Muslims “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem,” both of which are traditional ways of wishing others a blessed month, or by checking with your local mosque to join a community iftar, such as the Taking Heart iftars organized by the Minnesota Council of Churches: http://www.mnchurches.org/what-we-do/taking-heart.   

Interested in learning more:  
·       10 things non-Muslims should know during Ramadan  
·       A non-Muslim’s guide to Ramadan