Every year during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. For Muslims, this is a time of purification and charitable acts. There are five pillars of Islam: Shahaadah which is the declaration of faith, Salaah which is praying five times a day, Zakaat which is charity, Sawm which is fasting, and finally Hajj which is the pilgrimage to Makkah.

Muslims must observe the five pillars of Islam all year round however Ramadan is seen to most Muslims as a detoxification of the soul because their previous sins are “burned”. This explains the word “Ramadan” which is taken from the world “ramad” and “ramdhaa” meaning the scorching heat of the sun in Arabic.

Fasting, as previously mentioned, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy Muslims to take part in. When one fasts, food, water, or any other sustenance must not be consumed as well as smoking and abstaining from sexual relations. Ramadan is a time to increase “Iman” (faith), detach one’s self from material items, and exercise self-discipline physically and spiritually.

At the end of the day when the sunsets, Muslims have spent time preparing a dinner to share with family and friends. This is called “Iftar” and although times vary across the world, it is during this time where Muslims break their fasts. Muslims are encouraged to break their fasts with water and a date, a tradition stemming from the religious teachings of the Prophet (SAW).

Fasting, as previously mentioned, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for healthy Muslims to take part in. When one fasts, food, water, or any other sustenance must not be consumed as well as smoking and abstaining from sexual relations. Ramadan is a time to increase “Iman” (faith), detach one’s self from material items, and exercise self-discipline physically and spiritually.

At the end of the day when the sun sets, Muslims have spent time preparing a dinner to share with family and friends. This is called “Iftar” and although times vary across the world, it is during this time where Muslims break their fasts

Ramadan is the month where the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Muslims spend their time listening, reciting, and reading the Qu’ran as much as possible. On the 27^th day of Ramadan “Laylat-al Qadr,” meaning Power of the Night, Allah (SWT) revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an.

Eid-Al-Fitr is a three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan where Muslims feast, purchase new clothing, receive or hand out “Eidi” which is typically money given to young children.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Ramadan. If you have any questions about Ramadan please feel free to leave a comment.

During Ramadan, our Energy Mentor Faiza enjoys visiting mosques every day where she gathers with family and friends to enjoy foods from different cultures.

Muslims are encouraged to break their fasts with water and a date, a tradition stemming from the religious teachings of the Prophet (SAW). Also, many Muslims frequent their local mosques to break their fasts followed by participating in a religious prayer for Ramadan known as “Taraweeh.”

“For me, the month of Ramadan is a time when I try to feel the sufferings in this world, for people who do not have enough to eat. I try to maximize on giving to charity as I believe that sharing your blessings makes you a better person. The charity and detoxification of body and soul that we experience in this month is very meaningful to me as helping others and understanding their problems gives one an inner feeling of satisfaction.”

Chand Raat is the last night of fasting and there is a celebration while preparing for Eid which is the day after Chand Raat. Muslim women put henna on their hands and feet, wear bangles, and Muslims buy new outfits to look their best and cook festive food for the next day. For Faiza, bangles and henna are two special cultural accessories worn on all special occasions and for her Eid is incomplete without them.

Eid-Al-Fitr, meaning “feast of breaking the fast” is a three-day celebration at the end of Ramadan where Muslims gather with friends and family to feast and receive or hand out “Eidi” which is typically money given to young children. Muslims start their Eid off by attending their local mosques to participate in Salat al-Eid, the special Eid prayer and greet each other “Eid Mubarak” meaning “Happy Eid” followed by wishing that Allah (SWT) accepts their prayers and fasts during the holy month.

The purpose of Ramadan is to remind Muslims of their faith, to be grateful for what one has, and to follow the five pillars of Islam throughout the year. We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Ramadan.

Did you learn anything new? Let us know! Feel free to join the conversation on Twitter. Tweet using the hashtag #EmpowerMeRamadan to @EmpowerMeBC or @EmpowerMeAB.

Empower Me Energy Mentor, Faiza Yameen

“For me, the month of Ramadan is a time when I try to feel the sufferings in this world, for people who do not have enough to eat.”