What is Ramadan

Hadicha Abduvalieva , ha154@uakron.edu

Many have heard of Ramadan as a ‘holiday’ in Islam where Muslims observe ‘fasting’,  which is when one refrains from eating for a period of time. However, behind this simple definition, there is much more to this sacred month. In Islam, there are five pillars of faith: profession, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Fasting here refers to a type of worship in which one refrains from their desires. It’s such a high level of worship because others cannot perceive it easily, and therefore, God is the only one who sees it and the only one people dedicate it to. 

Fasting is a voluntary act of worship that is done any time throughout the year, but during Ramadan, the practice becomes an obligation upon all Muslims, whether they are steadfast in their religion or not. For some, Ramadan is a special period for them to return to their religion and find God again. For others, it’s a time where they increase their worship and work on bettering themselves in general. The month heightens worship in effort to renew and strengthen one’s faith and keep it strong for the remaining year. 

Though the general purpose of fasting is for worship, it has other benefits as well. Abstention allows one to have empathy and understand the feelings of those who are less fortunate. Fasting is also done as an expression of gratitude to God for all that is given in life. It increases self-discipline which is crucial for Muslims as many of our obligations in Islam require a great deal of willpower such as praying five times a day, learning the Qur’an, and refraining from sin. Though the literal definition of fasting is to not eat food or drink, fasting includes avoiding other indulges such as intimacy and refraining from speaking or doing ill. 

In this month, aside from fasting, one also engages in extra voluntary prayer. For example, every night there is voluntary prayer called taraweeh, a prayer done every night to complete the recitation of the Quran. The word taraweeh means ‘relaxation’ because it’s done in a leisurely manner with pauses in between. The night is very special. It is the time when Muslims believe God comes down to the lowest heaven and listens to those who call for him, especially the last third of the night when it’s common to be asleep. Often, tahajjud–meaning to ‘give up sleep’–is prayed at this time.  

Last Ramadan, I would wake up in the early morning to have suhoor with my family before Fajr–the dawn prayer. And I would break fast with my friends and family when the sun went down and the call for prayer was called again. Sometimes, Muslims would invite each other over to eat iftar together. It is a feeling indescribable with just words. It is when you are gathered with your brothers and sisters in faith and are able to enjoy food that you realize how much you are blessed with. Not only because of the food but also the community you get to share it with. As the night begins, Isha–the ‘evening’ prayer–is carried out and after begins taraweeh. 

This year, the first night of Ramadan will begin on the 10th of March, and I am beyond excited. To me, this month is the best time of the year because I feel the closest to God. My faith and connection to God are the most important thing to me; it gives me purpose. I am looking forward to it this year especially because of my new revert friend. We are determined to work hard and accomplish our goals for this Ramadan and the next.