Fasting is compulsory for those who are mentally and physically fit,
past the age of puberty, in a settledsituation (not traveling), and
are sure fasting is unlikely to cause real physical or mental injury.
Exemptions from Fasting(some exemptions are optional)
*. Children under the age ofpuberty (Young children are encouraged to
fast asmuch as they are able.)
*. People who are mentallyincapacitated or not responsible for their actions
*. The elderly
*. The sick
*. Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles
*. Pregnant women and nursing mothers
*. Women who are menstruating
*. Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed
days at another time or feed the poor.
Special Events
*. Special prayers, called taraweeh, are performedafter the daily
nighttime prayer.
*. Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny") marks the
anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first began
receiving revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel. Muslims
believe Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of
Ramadhan.
Traditional Practices
*. Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water and dates
*. Reading the entire Quranduring Ramadhan
*. Social visits are encouraged.
Eid ul-Fitr ("Festival of Fast-Breaking") Prayers at the End of Ramadhan
*. Eid begins with special morning prayers on the first day of
Shawwal, the month following Ramadhan on the Islamiclunar calendar.
*. It is forbidden to performan optional fast during Eid because it is
a time for relaxation.
*. During Eid Muslims greet each other with the phrase "taqabbalallah
ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds" and"Eid Mubarak"
(eed-moo-bar-ak), meaning"blessed Eid."
Ramadhan Questionsand Answers
Q: How did the fast during Ramadhan become obligatory for Muslims?
The revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammadthat would eventually
be compiled as the Quran began during Ramadhan in the year 610, but
the fast of Ramadhan did not become a religious obligation for Muslims
until the year 624. The obligation to fast is explained in the second
chapter of the Quran: "O yewho believe! Fasting is prescribed to you
as it wasprescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn)
self-restraint...Ramadhan isthe (month) in which was sent down the
Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and
judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present
(at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..."
(Chapter 2, verses183 and 185)
Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from fasting?
One of the main benefits of Ramadhan are an increased compassion for
those in need of the necessities of life, a sense of self-purification
and reflection and a renewed focus on spirituality. Muslims also
appreciate the feeling of togethernessshared by family and friends
throughout the month. Perhaps the greatest practical benefit isthe
yearly lesson in self-restraint and disciplinethat can carry forward
to other aspects of a Muslim'slife such as work and education.
Q: Why does Ramadhan begin on a different day each year?
Because Ramadhan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier
each year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime, Ramadhan will fall both
during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when
the days are long and the fast is more difficult. In this way, the
difficulty of the fast is evenly distributed between Muslims living in
the northern and southernhemispheres.
Q: What is Lailat ul-Qadr?
Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power") marks the anniversary of the night
on which the Prophet Muhammad first began receiving revelations from
God, through the angel Gabriel. An entire chapter in the Quran deals
with this night: "We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night
of Power: and what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down
the angels and the Spirit by God's permission, on everyerrand.
Peace!...This until the rise of morn." (Chapter 97) Muslims believe
Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadhan.
Q: Is it difficult to perform the fast in America?
In many ways, fasting in American society is easier than fasting in
areas where the climate is extremely hot. This year atleast, the
number of daylight hours will be less than when Ramadhan occurs during
the spring orsummer. In Muslim countries, most people are observing
the fast, so there are fewer temptations such as luncheon meetings,
daytime celebrations and offers of food from friends.....
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