Ramadan: The Fast and The Feast
- Lifestyles
- Special Interest
Author: Aramco ExPats Staff
Released 11 October 2006
Ramadan is a month long, annual, religious season of devotion, sacrifice, spiritual renewal, inner reflection, and charity for Muslims around the world. This ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is the most sacred month commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, to the Prophet Muhammad. It begins in celebration and excitement when the sliver of the new crescent moon is first visible in the night sky, and ends in festival when the next new moon arrives.
In 2006, the Saudi authorities announced that Ramadan started on September 24th and ends on October 23rd. In the United States, most communities follow the decision of the Islamic Society of North America who, this year, declared Ramadan to begin on September 23rd and end on October 22nd. For Muslims worldwide, the start of Ramadan is based on physical sightings of the moon by an appointed authority, as well as astronomical calculations.
During the holy month of Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from daybreak (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). This intentional abstinence from physical nourishment is done to please Allah and to show worship. Gaining the total reward of fasting is obtained by exhibiting patience and practicing control over all the senses. Fasting, or Sawm, is an act of sacrifice and purification. It allows Muslims to focus on the teachings of the Qur'an and the tenets that their religion is based upon. It is also one of the five pillars of Islam, the others being the Shahadah or profession of faith, Salah, praying five times daily, Zakah, charity, and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Since physical nourishment is prohibited during the day, Ramadan meals must be eaten between dusk and dawn. The tradition of breaking the fast is an important daily ritual during Ramadan bringing family and community together in revitalizing celebration. Because people haven't eaten all day, coming together to eat and celebrate is highly anticipated. Meals prepared during Ramadan are generally simple, hearty and nourishing to last through the fast. Traditional foods are often served during these meals in honor of the age long practice of fasting. Iftar is the evening meal served at sunset during Ramadan to break the fast. Breaking the fast at sunset is often done by enjoying a few dates with a sip of water. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with fresh, ripe dates - if ripe dates were not available, then with dried dates, and if not dried dates, then water. Today, just before Ramadan, half-ripe dates (rutab) are sold in record numbers, and different varieties of dates are more popular than others. Hastening to break the fast is recommended, even if it be with a sip of water. It is also recommended that one prolong the time before the first meal of the day, or Suhoor. This meal of blessing is best eaten as close to dawn as possible.
Traditionalists struggle with the more modern displays of Ramadan. Donna Abu-Nasr, Associated Press, Arab News, wrote in Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Traditions With Modern Flavor, "Saudi cities come alive a couple of hours after iftar, when shoppers begin thronging stores and malls that stay open till after midnight, enticing customers with raffles for cars or mobile phones and special offers on their goods. Some feel the Ramadan shopping frenzy has robbed this month of its spirituality. She quotes Shorouq Fawaz from the Al-Riyadh daily, “Some people may not grasp the real meaning of this month because of the blitz of advertisements that portray Ramadan as a month of feasts and pleasures.”
No where is the outward display of Ramadan more exuberant, festive and full of feasting than in the joyous celebration of Eid ul-fitr. When the new moon arrives signaling the end of Ramadan it also signals the beginning of Eid ul-fitr. Eid ul-fitr symbolizes the breaking of the month long fast and is a celebration of achieved piety. It is a time to rejoice and give thanks, and reconnect with the community. This huge community event is celebrated with enormous quantities of delicious foods representing the best and most traditional foods of the area.
"Ramadan Mubarak!" - "Have a blessed and happy Ramadan!"