Kammys Musing

Ramadhan, the 9th month in the Muslim calendar, is a blessed month where Muslims would perform fasting; one of the pillars of Islam. 

Definition of fasting differs from one religion to another. It is usually considered a training/state connected to attain a higher spiritual level.
Even in the sports/health world there are a variety of intermittent fasting done to obtain a healthier body. 

(WHAT & WHEN)
Fasting is done in the whole month of Ramadhan. 
The actual dates differs year to year as the Muslim calendar is based on moon sighting instead of the sun rotation. 
This year it starts on Thursday 23 March 2023 (some start a day later).

(HOW)
For a Muslim, fasting means abstaining from food, water and other acts that would break it like smoking and sexual intercourse.
Fasting is done between sunrise to sunset. You can resume eating, drinking and other activities during night time, before sunrise.

We would wake up early around 4-5am before the morning prayer to have some food before starting our fast – this meal session is called sahoor/suhoor.

We aim to increase our act of worship which includes praying, reading the Quran, making donations.
We also refrain from acts that would lessen our good deeds like backbiting, too much entertainment ie etc. 

This is the month where we train our physical side (refraining from food) and spiritual side.

(WHO)
A matured (baligh), healthy Muslim man or woman are required to fast.
Exempted :
– Children/little kids
– Not of a sound mind.
– Sick
– Elderly
– Traveller
– Menstruating woman

Some cultures would start the child training since they are little, maybe at 6yo. Training could be in the form of half day only, or water only no food.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous..”

Quran 2:183

(WHY)
Muslims believe that the reward for good deeds are multiplied in this month; hence it is common to see people making donations, sponsoring food for the break of fast, or increasing the quantity of prayers and praises to the Almighty.

Popular food to have during the break of fast would be dates.

Travel around the world enough and you may find some food in different countries which are only prepared/sold in Ramadhan.

Keep hydrated, keep safe.