By Sallo Gobana
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? How did the practice of Ramadan begin? What is Taraweeh? What do Muslims do during Ramadan? Why do some people fast and others don’t? Misconception about Ramadan and fasting?
The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) over a period of years, and the verses instructing Muslims to fast the entire month of Ramadan came in the latter half of that period. During the first 12 years in Mecca, the Muslim minority faced torture, tyranny and persecution from the Qurayshi ruling pagan tribe, with many losing their lives. The surviving Muslims migrated to the city of Medina in 622AD, over 300km away. Two years later, the verses about fasting in Ramadan were revealed, with prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) establishing the holy months practices in the sanctuary of their new home.
The early Muslim community would awake for the pre-dawn meal, known as suhoor, and refrain from eating, drinking and marital relations until sunset, when they broke their fast(iftar)typically on dates. As well as spiritual discipline and increased worship, fasting placed a strong focus on improving behavior, as prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) stated: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during the fast, then God does not care if he abstains from food and drink.’’
During the final years of his life, prophet Muhammad(peace be upon Him)began to perform extra night prayers in Ramadan called Taraweeh .His companions started joining him in the mosque and as the number grew the prophet became concerned they would regard it an obligation ,so he continued his prayers alone at home. Ten years after the prophet’s death ,the leader of the Muslims ,Caliph Umar saw Muslims scattered around the mosque praying extra night prayers in separate groups ,and established a congregational prayer to unify their worships .Since that time, congregational Taraweeh has become a defining feature of Ramadan ,and one through which the Quran is recited in its entirely.
Ramadan is a sacred month for all Muslims. This is the month where Muslims observe their fasting from dawn to dusk. During this blessed month, fasting has helped to serve several spiritual and social purposes. They reconcile their relationships with people whom they have wronged in the past. They would also make time to perform their daily prayers as well as Taraweeh prayers (Sunna). Fasting also helps strengthen their faith as a Muslim. It teaches them practice patience and gratitude for the simple things in life that are taken for granted. Furthermore, makes them feel compassionate towards others who are poor and in need hence donating to charitable organizations such as mosques and orphanages. Fasting is also a chance to be healthy since it allows control of food intake and consume healthier foods like dates. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) stipulated that the Muslims feed the poor in this month. Towards the end of Ramadan, Zakat-ul-fitr, or alms of the breaking of fast, was a duty on every able Muslim. It was necessary that the zakat-ul-fitr be distributed before the festival of breaking fast known as Eid ul-fitr, which marks the close of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad appointed it as a day of community and celebration, beginning with a special communal prayer. It was tradition to begin the day with eating something.
Islam recognizes that those who are sick, pregnant, travelling, menstruation, or elderly may not be able to fast without it having adverse impacts on their health and well-being; therefore, they are exempt. If they are able, it is recommended that they give charity to feed the hungry instead. Children fast when they reach puberty.
The Islamic tradition does not ‘‘force’’anything on anyone. This applies to the hijab, marriage, and fasting; things often misconceived as forced. There is much science today about the medical benefits of fasting. Ramadan is not punishment. Ramadan is a spiritual cleansing. It is thanksgiving. Muslims fast to appreciate their blessings and recognize those who are less fortunate by giving. What was initially practiced by around a hundred early Muslims is now emulated by 1.8 billion people around the world, who continue to follow the prophetic tradition while marking Ramadan in their own culturally unique way.
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