WHO MUST FAST?
Fasting is compulsory for those who are mentally and physically fit,
past the age of puberty, in a settled situation (not traveling),
and are sure fasting is unlikely to cause real physical or mental
injury.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FASTING (some exemptions are optional)
* Children under the age of puberty (Young children are
encouraged to fast as much as they are able.)
* People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible
for their actions
* Those who are too old to fast
* The sick
* Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles
* Pregnant women and nursing mothers
* Women who are menstruating
* Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the
missed days at another time.
SPECIAL EVENTS
EID UL-FITR ("Festival of Fast-Breaking") Prayers at the
End of Ramadan
* Eid begins with special morning prayers on the first day
of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan on the Islamic lunar
calendar, and lasts for three days.
* It is forbidden to perform an optional fast during Eid
because it is a time for relaxation.
* During Eid Muslims greet each other with the phrase "Eid
Mubarak" (eed-moo-bar-ak), meaning blessed Eid" and "taqabballah
ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds."
Demographers say Islam is one of the fastest growing religions
in this country and around the world. There are an estimated 6 million
Muslims in America and some 1.2 billion worldwide.
* Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary.
RAMADAN Q&A :
Q: How did the fast during Ramadan become obligatory for
Muslims?
A: The revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammad that
would eventually be compiled as the Quran began during Ramadan in
the year 610, but the fast of Ramadan did not become a religious
obligation for Muslims until the year 624. The obligation to fast
is explained in the second chapter of the Quran:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185)
Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from fasting?
A: The main benefits of Ramadan are an increased compassion
for those in need of the necessities of life, a sense of self-purification
and reflection and a renewed focus on spirituality. Muslims also
appreciate the feeling of togetherness shared by family and friends
throughout the month. Perhaps the greatest practical benefit is the
yearly lesson in self-restraint and discipline that can carry
forward to other aspects of a Muslim's life such as work and education.
Q: Do people normally lose weight during Ramadan?
A: Some people do lose weight, but others may not. It is
recommended that meals eaten during Ramadan be light, but most people
can't resist sampling special sweets and foods associated with Ramadan.
Q: Why does Ramadan begin on a different day each year?
A: Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime, Ramadan will fall both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. In this way, the difficulty of the fast is evenly distributed between Muslims living in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Q: What is Lailat ul-Qadr?
A: Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power") marks the anniversary
of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first began receiving
revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel.
An entire chapter in the Quran deals with this night: "We
have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: and what
will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein
come down the angels and the Spirit by God's permission, on every
errand. Peace!...This until the rise of morn." (Chapter 97) Muslims
believe Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of
Ramadan.
Q: Isn't it difficult to perform the fast in America?
A: In many ways, fasting in American society is easier than fasting in areas where the climate is extremely hot. This year at least, the number of daylight hours will be less than when Ramadan occurs during the spring or summer. In Muslim countries, most people are observing the fast, so there are fewer temptations such as luncheon meetings, daytime celebrations and offers of food from friends. Many American Muslims would prefer a daytime work shift during Ramadan so that they may break the fast with their families and attend evening prayers.
Q: How can non-Muslim co-workers and friends help someone who is fasting?
A: Employers, co-workers and teachers can help by understanding
the significance of Ramadan and by showing a willingness to make
minor allowances for its physical demands. Special consideration
can be given to such things as requests for vacation time, the need
for flexible early morning or evening work schedules and lighter
homework assignments. It is also very important that Muslim workers
and students be given time to attend Eid prayers at the end of Ramadan.
Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas and Yom Kippur are to
Christians and Jews. A small token such as a card (there are Eid
cards available from Muslim bookstores) or baked goods given to a
Muslim co-worker during Eid ul-Fitr would also be greatly appreciated.
Hospital workers should be aware that injections and oral medications
break the fast. Patients should be given the opportunity to decide
whether or not their condition exempts them from fasting.