What is ramadan?
| Lunar calendar = The Islamic calendar is tied with the lunar calendar i.e. a calendar that follows the monthly cycles of the phases of the moon (which is shorter than the Western calendar) and Ramadan dates change every year. |
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance for millions of people around the world. During this time, Muslims follow a strict fast from dawn until sunset- they can’t drink anything nor eat food at all during daylight. ‘Not even water?’ No, not even water, but to really grasp the essence of Ramadan, it’s about more than just fasting—there’s a deeper spiritual side to it.
People say, ‘we’re fasting,’ however, that’s only a part of it. Ramadan is the month of peace, tranquillity, cure, goodness, forgiveness, mercy and the month in which the Quran (the holy book) was revealed.
Every day of Ramadan, muslims abstain from food, drinks,
| During Ramadan,it’s customary to donate iftar meals to charity and help those in need. |
sexual activity and smoking. During this time you restrict the material intake of the body, so that you can focus on the intake of the soul. Instead of focusing on constant consumption, you are consuming words of remembrance, words of prayer and you are in constant self-control. You are engaging in a wholesome act of disciplining yourself with the consciousness of God and finding yourself in touch with your soul instead. By reducing your temptations for tangible things, you become more conscious of intangible things, you become more introspective and you feel a deep sense of gratitude for all that you have been blessed with.
Throughout our lives, we constantly take and consume without much thought but when we abstain from fulfilling our basic daily needs, we become so much more grateful for that sip of water and that one morsel of food we get to consume after a day of fasting. We become aware of the one who provided those blessings for us and we acknowledge that some people don’t have the same access to those blessings, so we also develop a sense of empathy for the less privileged . Ramadan is, therefore, also the month of charity and gratitude.
Community plays a vital role in Ramadan. Mosques filled with worshippers, fostering unity and solidarity. If you want to visit a mosque,I advise you to visit the Central Mosque of Lisbon, particularly during Ramadan (It’s even more beautiful on the inside).
A typical day during Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan lasts from sunrise to sunset, which means that the time varies from day to day. The morning meal, called suhoor, is usually taken around 4.30-5.00 am, before dawn. Afterwards, you can go to sleep and continue your daily routine. It is important that individuals observing the fast prioritise performing the five daily prayers in Islam and reading the Quran regularly. When you open your fast, it is called Iftar, and it is a muslim tradition to open the fast with either water or dates. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated by Muslims all over the world with family gatherings, gift-givings and big feasts. This year, Eid falls on the 10th of April.
| Fun fact: In Turkish tradition, it is common for drummers, known as “Davulcu ”, to wake people up in the morning during Ramadan by beating drums to suhoor. This practice holds a special place in my childhood memories, especially during the time when Ramadan fell in the summer months.The Davulcus tradition has its roots in the Ottoman Empire and remains an important cultural marker in Turkey. |
So, next time you hear someone say “Happy Ramadan” or “Ramadan Mubarak,” know that it’s more than just a greeting. It is a recognition of the challenges and blessings that come with this special month.
Shoutout to all my muslim friends fasting this Ramadan – and Ramadan mubarak!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to to contact sinem.oezbal@forward-college.eu
The Grad Media 
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