RAMADAN (FASTING IN ISLAM)

                                                                                                                        by  Kolapo Waheedah

                                    

Ramadan as popularly celebrated by Muslims, is the month following sha’ban in the Islamic calendar. this is a period which they normally tag as the holy month of fasting and religious devotions. It involves the Muslims refraining from eating and drinking and also from all forms of forbidden acts that can invalidate the fast from dawn till sunset/dusk.

The beginning of the fast is only by the sight of the moon. The period is intended to bring religious followers closer to God and to remind them of people who are less fortunate. There are few groups that don’t have to fast during the month. These include: the children, the sick, the elderly and women who are either pregnant or on their period. Muslims that are opportune to take part are those who have reached puberty age or within the age range of  14 and above.

Muslims are also excused from this period if they are athlete competing in a tournament or travelers on trip. Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion and Muslims are encouraged to observe daily prayers throughout the period. Many recite the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan. Often, people will donate gift items during Ramadan to feed and help the needy.

Ramadan 2017 started May 27 and is expected to end June 24th. after the Ramadan period, muslims will celebrate Eid al-fitr. The eid celebration, which is to be held on June 25, marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and starts the next month, Shawwal which is a month in the Hijrah calendar.