Written by Taroob Riaz
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th Islamic month, and is linked to the lunar calendar, followed by Muslims all around the world. Many prioritise getting closer to God and focus on bettering themselves. This month is sacred due to it marking the day when Allah (SWT) gave the first chapter of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What is Suhoor?
Suhoor (also known as Sehri by some) is the meal before sunrise, this being the meal before the fasting begins. This is very important to those who are fasting, as they need to ensure they eat enough to give them energy all the way from sunrise until sunset.
How many times do we pray?
There are five prayers in total:
Fajr: After Suhoor, before sunrise.
Zuhur: In the afternoon.
Asr: In the late afternoon.
Maghrib: After sunset.
Isha: Before sleeping.
What is the point of fasting?
Ramadan is month in which we can gain a closer relationship with God by giving back to other less fortune, reading the Qur’an, praying and focusing on becoming the best version of yourself.
Who can fast and who is exempt from it?
With fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam, it means all those who are able are required to fast, however there are exemptions to this!
Those who are exempt are:
People with health problems
Pregnant women
Women who are nursing
Women who are menstruating
Children (some as young as 7 years old can participate in a half-day fast in order to ease them into fasting)
The elderly
What is Iftar?
Iftar takes place when the sun sets. Typically many open their fast by eating a date, but there is also the option of salt or water in place of a date. Smaller meals tend to be eaten first, then praying Maghrib and after continuing to eat bigger meals in order to fill up after a long day of fasting.
What is Taraweeh?
During the month of Ramadan, this is a voluntary prayer which is led by the congregation as a way to listen to the recitation of the Qur’an and to pray. Not all Muslims partake in this, however there are many who wish to do so.
Ramadan Mubarak!