For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. 3 of 10 | . Mohammed El-Dahshan, 38-year-old “mesaharati,” or dawn caller, accompanies his donkey wrapped with colored led lights to wake Muslims up for a meal before sunrise, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in the Delta city of Dikernis, Egypt, about 93 miles (150 kilometers) north of Cairo, early Wednesday, April 12, 2023. To understand Ramadan’s significance, it’s helpful to look at it within the context of the Five Pillars of Islam. These are the core practices that define a Muslim’s faith and actions: 1. Shahada (Faith): Declaring belief in one God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. 2. Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers. 3. Ramadan fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the core practices of the religion. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day for the entire month of Ramadan. How Do Muslims Observe Ramadan? The most prominent practice of Ramadan is fasting from dawn until sunset. This includes abstaining from food, drinks (even water), smoking, and marital relations. Here’s a breakdown of the typical daily routine: Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting begins at Fajr, the first prayer of the day. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, [64] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity . [65] Exemptions from fasting include those traveling, menstruating, severely ill, pregnant, or breastfeeding. [60] In this Ramadan guide for new and newly-practicing Muslims, learn about the virtues of fasting, why we fast, and what we hope to gain through our acts of worship in Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons. The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon; this year, the Ramadan’s religious rituals and spiritual essence unite diverse Muslim communities around the world. The plights of some fellow Muslims and some issues that have resonance beyond borders During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. They are supposed to avoid eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, as well as unkind or impure thoughts and words and immoral World Health Organization. (2020). Safe Ramadan practices in the context of the COVID-19: interim guidance, 15 April 2020. World Health Organization. Publications of the World Health Organization Ramadan’s religious rituals and spiritual essence unite diverse Muslim communities around the world. The plights of some fellow Muslims and some issues that have resonance beyond borders. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to observe the holiday with caution and care. This document provides up-to-date public health advice that can be applied across different national contexts to make Ramadan-related activities safer. Learn more about safe practices during religious celebrations Safe Ramadan practices in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance, 7 April 2021. View/ Open. WHO-2019-nCoV-Ramadan-2021.1-eng.pdf (264.2Kb) Fuel up at the pre-dawn meal. For the pre-dawn meal called suhoor, nutrition experts recommend fueling up with a variety of food groups. When Sonya Islam was too tired to crawl out of bed for suhoor as a child, her mother would bring her a banana and a glass of milk. How to practice healthy fasting during Ramadan The daily fast’s duration can vary by location depending on the hours of daylight. Experts say to take it easy and listen to the body while fasting. As Ramadan concludes with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, it is important to carry forward the positive habits and spiritual gains attained during the month. Here are some tips for maintaining the momentum post-Ramadan: 1. Consistent Prayer. Continue to prioritize daily prayers and spiritual practices beyond Ramadan. Common Practices Reciting the Qur'an. The best practice during the days and the nights of Ramadan is to recite the Qur'an.Although it is rewarding to recite the Qur'an any time, it is much more rewarding to recite it in the month of Ramadan, since it is, according to hadiths, "the spring of the Qur'an" and the divine reward for reciting one Qur'anic verse in this month equals to reciting the People break their fasts during the Muslim's holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a rooftop restaurant near the historical Badshahi mosque, in background, in Lahore, Pakistan, March 15, 2024.
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