A Beginner’s Guide to the Holy Month of Ramadan

The beauty of a religion stems from the tradition and culture it brings along. The way cultural practices and celebrations perpetuate a feeling of community and love is a beautiful expression. We Indians are truly blessed with the diversity of religions. Every new month brings along with it some charm of a festivity and in some form or other our dopamine level hits harder during the festive season. The preparations, the bustle of the markets, lots and lots of mithais, and as the festival passes, leaving behind a lingering scent of joy. As the Muslims around the world eagerly and excitedly wait for the Holy month of Ramadan which is to commence from March 10 onward this year, we’re going to introduce you to a short and crisp beginners guide for Ramadan. It’s a quick summary of everything you should know about this holy month. So if it’s your first time fasting or you’re a new Muslim, or maybe just the tradition and culture intrigues you in general and you’d like to know more about it, here we go!

● What is Ramadan?

Marked as the holiest and the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and observed by Muslims across the globe. Ramadan is essentially a period of fasting, reflection and community. The belief goes as that this is the month when the Holy Book of Islam, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed. During the month of Ramadan, people fast from the onset of dawn until the sun sets which involves abstaining from food, drinks, smoking and marital relations.

● Why Fast?

As per the religion of Islam and as mentioned in the Quran it is said that Allah (God) loves fasting as it helps the one who believes in the power of fasting to become god conscious. It is a manner of realigning our faith towards God and that whether we’re in public or in private, we are conscious of God's presence. This helps us become aware of the deeds we do that go beyond just the month of Ramadan. The things that a person wouldn’t do while fasting, would also trigger the person's mind to be wary of them when not fasting, encouraging self-discipline in all realms of our daily lives.

● How do we fast?

● The fasting begins at Fajr and lasts until Maghrib. Usually the fasting time is known by the sunrise and the sunset but the timings often differ from the Fajr and Maghrib time.

● The fasting is done from all foods, all drinks (including water) and all physically intimate relations with one’s spouse.

● Medication schedules also must be adjusted during the time period before Fajr and after Maghrib.

● In cases and medical conditions where it is absolutely essential for an individual to take medication during the day, those individuals are not particularly obligated to fast during Ramadan.

● During the days of menstruation women are refrained from fasting. Those days can be made up for by fasting later post Ramadan.

● Preparation for the fast:

● In order to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by the routine of fasting during Ramadan, one must prepare ahead of time, both physically and mentally.

● Since fasting can have an impact on your body resulting in being comparatively low in energy, you must schedule your energy consuming chores, for example working out to post Maghrib when you’ll have more energy to do so.

● Another shift is meal prepping. Since meal preparation is time and energy consuming and you’d want to focus your fasting hours on worship, it is an ideal practice to prep your meals in advance.

● Centre most of your water drinking during the night time in order to make up for the no water consumption during fasting.

● As you approach Ramadan try to also limit and lessen your food consumption during the day. It will eventually limit your appetite during day time and help you during Ramadan days.

● Focus your Fajr time meals to be clean and healthy, high in protein rather than just oily and fried foods so that your body is high in energy throughout the day.

● Also to note, during the evening post the Isha prayers, Taraweeh prayers are held. They’re not compulsory but you are encouraged to recite a minimum of eight rak’ahs. (We have another article about the importance of Taraweeh prayers, you can check it out to know more. Link!)

● If it’s your first Ramadan, don’t try to overburden yourself with things that are not compulsory, you’ll eventually get there.

● The Night of Power/Decree: Laylat al-Qdar

● This is the night that is believed by Muslims when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammed by angel Jibrīl.

● Based on various interpretations, it is said that this night is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is believed the Prophet used to worship really hard during these last ten nights and it is known to have followed suit. As we worship during Ramadan, the last ten nights we try to strive harder.

● Muslims strive really hard in worship and worshipping activities during the Night of Power as this is believed to be the night of tremendous reward.

● It is also mentioned in the verse of the Quran that worshipping on the night of Laylat al-Qadar (The Night of Power) is better than a thousand months.

● Eid Al-Fitr:

● Eid Al-Fitr means “the feast of the breaking of the fast”.Eid Al-Fitr is the celebration when Ramadan ends and it lasts for three days.

● Before celebrating Eid Al-Fitr, every self supported Muslim adult gives Zakat Al-Fitr.

● It is something that is given to purify ourselves and seek redemption for any slips or wrongs that might have happened mistakenly during Ramadan.

● It is about providing food to those in need.

● Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated joyously by wearing new clothes, celebrating community and the joy of being together in the praises of the lord.

● There are two rak’ahs where Allah hu Akbar is first said 7 times and then 5 times. Post that Muslims listen to an Eid sermon before greeting everyone “Eid Mubarak!” We hope this blogpost helped you get an insight into the month of Ramadan. We’re continually striving to get informative and insightful blog posts about all things India. So stay tuned