This Ramadan, we’re starting a series called “Beyond The Fast – The True Story of Ramadan.” This series aims to help all of us better understand the significance of Ramadan and what it truly means for those observing the fast. Whether you are observing Ramadan yourself or simply seeking to learn more, this series is for everyone. I hope we all come away with a deeper understanding of the month and its meaning.
The goal of this series is to challenge misinformation surrounding Ramadan, address media misconceptions, and combat stereotypes about this holy month. Join us as we go beyond the fast and explore Ramadan’s true essence around the world.
Wait… What’s Ramadan Again?
Celebrated by over two billion people worldwide, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. Starting on March 1st, 2025, Muslims around the globe will begin this sacred month with anticipation and reverence.
You might recall a similar post I made last year and wonder why the dates are different this time. That’s because Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. Lunar years are approximately 10-12 days shorter than solar years, meaning Ramadan begins on different dates each year, depending on when the new moon is sighted.
Ramadan Schedule
Each day during Ramadan, Muslims wake up before sunrise to eat a pre-dawn meal. This meal has different names depending on where one is from, such as ‘Sehri’, ‘Suhur’, or ‘Sahri’. The entire day is then spent abstaining from food and drink, and the fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as ‘Iftar’ or ‘Afur’, among other regional names.
Why Do Muslims Fast?
Ramadan provides Muslims with a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, self-discipline, and community. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core acts of worship that define a Muslim’s life. The fast includes abstaining from food, drink, and smoking from dawn until sunset. However, fasting is not only about refraining from physical sustenance; it also extends to avoiding negative thoughts, actions, and behaviors.
What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan?
For Muslims, Ramadan is an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Allah (God) through increased prayer, Quran recitation, and acts of charity. During this time, Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are open, and the gates of hell are closed, making it an ideal moment for seeking forgiveness and blessings.
Overall, despite the common misconception that Ramadan is solely about abstaining from food and drink, it is much more than that. It is a time for spiritual growth, self-improvement, and positive transformation. Through fasting and prayer, Muslims aim to deepen their relationship with Allah (God) and implement positive values in their daily lives.
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for an extensive series of content throughout Ramadan.