This year, Monday 12 April (subject to moon sighting) marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan – and with it, fasting throughout the month. But what is Ramadan exactly? And how can we support our Muslim colleagues during this holy month?
Shuja Ahmad, Data Architect, gives us an overview and answers the awkward questions you’ve always wanted to ask!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar calendar (phases of the moon). For this reason, the start and end dates for Ramadan change each year, when applied to the western (solar) calendar.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims across the world, as it brings with it fasting. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam:
- Shahadah (declaration of faith)
- Salah (5 daily prayers)
- Zakat (to donate a certain portion of earnings to charitable causes)
- Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
Although fasting is recommended on a regular basis throughout the year on a voluntary basis, fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims who are able to do so.
What does fasting in Ramadan consist of?
For each day during Ramadan, Muslims will wake up before sunrise to have a meal, called Suhoor, and begin the fast. After this, they will abstain from food and drink throughout the day. At sunset, the fast is broken with a meal, called Iftaar. This is repeated for 29/30 consecutive days.
“Wait, you mentioned no food or drink during the day. So what can you eat or drink?”
Answer: Absolutely nothing, nada, zilch, nil by mouth! No food, no drink – including water, no medication, no sweets, no biscuits, no tea and no coffee for the whole day! Yep, that’s right, no coffee!
Although abstaining from food and drink is the core of fasting, the month of Ramadan is about much more than this. Muslims will make an extra effort to refrain from negative things and bad habits; they increase good actions, like giving to charity, improving their patience and discipline, and will partake in communal efforts (subject to lock–down restrictions!). It is also a time for self-reflection – to review and assess the past year and how to improve going forward.
Increasing worship is also a core principal during Ramadan. As well as the five daily prayers, there is an extended night prayer – the Taraweeh – which is read every night and usually lasts between 1-1.5 hours.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims have a 3-day celebration called Eid-ul–Fitr. Woohoo! (I’m getting ahead of myself here…)
The purpose of fasting during Ramadan
Fasting for Muslims is primarily an act of worship. There are many suggested health benefits to fasting and it may help some people to empathise with those who are less fortunate than they are; however, these are all secondary elements to fasting and not the primary goal.
Does every Muslim have to fast?
Not everyone fasts during Ramadan. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, those who are ill or on regular medication and those who are travelling are exempt from fasting.
The dos and don’ts
Can I eat food or drink coffee around someone who is fasting?
Yes, absolutely. There is no issue with this – although I would avoid waving plates of food in the face of those who are fasting, as you may get your food pinched when you look away!
What about offering food (veggie samosas!), drinks or sweets, or popping out to lunch with colleagues?
Again, there’s no real issue with this. If you’re aware that someone is fasting, try to avoid offering anything – but if you do, then don’t be offended by a refusal. Similarly, please don’t be offended if your colleague chooses not to go out to lunch with you while they are fasting.
Is it OK to ask “how much weight have you lost?”
Weight loss is not a primary goal of fasting and, in reality, some people will gain weight in Ramadan due to all the delicious food that is prepared for opening the fast.
“Have a bite of this, no one will know…”
Er, no, thank you. Not appropriate!
“Isn’t fasting bad for you?”
Actually, many scientific studies have found that fasting is very beneficial to your health, to varying degrees depending on the type of fasting and the individual. Many people now promote intermittent fasting methods for a healthy lifestyle.
Is it OK to wish my Muslim colleagues “Ramadan Mubarak”?
Yes, you absolutely can wish your Muslim colleagues Ramadan Mubarak (which means “blessed, or happy, Ramadan”)! You can also say Eid Mubarak when Ramadan is over, and the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr takes place.
Can I get involved in Ramadan/fasting?
Absolutely. Many non-Muslims try fasting during Ramadan for many different reasons: as a challenge; for weight loss/health benefits; to support Muslim colleagues/friends; or just to try the fasting experience!
A fantastic example that really encapsulated the spirit of Ramadan was people fasting during Ramadan, collecting the savings made throughout the month from the missed meals and drinks, and donating this to their preferred charities.
More info
Drop Shuja Ahmad, Architecture, Security and Innovation, a line if you’d like to find out more about Ramadan and fasting. Or, check out some of these resources: