Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast to observe one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting lasts from dawn until sunset for 29 to 30 days, depending on the moon cycle, and begins after the crescent moon is sighted. Fasting in Islam is not just abstaining from food and drink but also from negative behaviour, aiming to purify the soul, develop self-restraint, and attain righteousness.
Fasting was practiced in earlier religions, as stated in the Quran, and is meant to teach empathy, compassion, and charity, particularly towards the less fortunate. The fast begins with a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and ends at sunset with the Iftar meal.
Certain
Certain means you are sure about something.
people, such as the sick, elderly, pregnant women, and travellers, are exempt from fasting due to health concerns.
"As a practicing Muslim, during the month of Ramadan I observe fasting as well as focus on prayers, reciting the Quran, and engaging in extra acts of worship such as special night prayers in the mosque." - Hiba
"The purpose of fasting for me is spiritual purification, building a stronger relationship with God, and developing moral
values
Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind.
. It is a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and improving own character, with the goal of becoming closer to God. (I do get sleep deprived and the lack of caffeine throughout the day makes it impossible to function and focus at times, but oh well – I believe its for good reasons and helps me to become a more resilient and patient person!
During this month, my focus is also on giving charity and charitable acts. Alongside helping those less fortunate financially, I aim to do other good deeds such as reaching out to elderly neighbours for a chat, cooking food for donating to care homes and donating to food banks."
Throughout history, in almost all religions of the world, fasting has long been promoted as a spiritual means for intensifying prayers and faith. People have fasted as it is an obligation to God, leading to good health and spirituality. Fasting brings great spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. Fasting is now generally accepted as an effective and safe method of detoxifying the body, a technique that people have used for centuries to heal the sick. It purifies the body of the accumulated toxic poison and waste.
Fasting regularly, helps the body heal itself as well as awakening the mind and soul. Fasting is now medically proven to be a healthy act and offers numerous benefits.