10 Common Questions About Ramadan
By Ramzi Gharbi/ Contributing Writer
On May 26, 2017 began the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, hence Ramadan is in session! A billion Muslims around the world are practicing the 5 pillars of Islam. There are 3.3 million Muslims living in the United States. That constitutes 1% of America’s population, making it safe to assume the rest of the 99% may have some questions about this particular holy month. These questions may seem repetitive or bothersome but with great diversity comes great responsibility. The American Muslim minority should take great pride in responding to questions with respect, compassion and truth because what better source than ones participating in Ramadan!
Here are some common questions our friends, fellow classmates, or coworkers may be asking:
- What are the 5 pillars of Islam?
These pillars provide a foundation for Muslims on how to conduct themselves in life. The First Pillar (Declaration of Faith) is the act of trusting and proclaiming the love and respect for God. The Second Pillar (Obligatory Prayer) requires one to pray 5 times a day: dawn, noon, afternoon, evening, and at night. The Third Pillar (Compulsory Giving) practices the distribution of wealth through small or big acts of charity. The Fourth Pillar (Fasting During Ramadan) is a religious ritual regarding the abstinence of food from dawn to dusk. The Fifth Pillar is the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia (the holy city for Muslims).
- Is water allowed during a fast?
American Muslims may be annoyed with the frequently asked question, but it’s important to remember there’s no such thing as a stupid question. No, even water is not allowed because Muslims fast to put themselves in the shoes of the less fortunate. An example, are the billions of people living in poverty that have little or no access to clean drinking water.
- Does Islam believe in the same God of Christians and Jews?
Yes, all three monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) believe in the same singular God. In fact, the 3 faiths share numerous similarities!
- So you don’t eat anything for a whole month?
No, fasting Muslims eat 2 meals a day during Ramadan. Once is in the morning, called Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), and the second at Sunset, called Iftar.
- Is Ramadan the equivalent to Christmas?
Ramadan has the duration of a full month and focuses on completing all 5 pillars of Islam. Christmas is about celebrating the birth and glory of Jesus Christ. However, it’s the same in that there’s an exchange of gifts yet Ramadan does so at the end of the holy month.
- Can I eat in front of you?
Yes, eating in front of someone participating in Ramadan is fine. However, it’s important to remain respectful while eating. Deliberate taunting or consistently pointing out the food those fasting cannot indulge in, can come off as mean spirited.
- In which situations are you forgiven for not fasting?
“But if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (of Ramadan days) should be made up from days later. For those who cannot do this except with hardship is a ransom: the feeding of one that is indigent…. Allah intends every ease for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties….” (Quran 2:184-185). This verse refers to women going through menstruation or a pregnancy and the sick from not be required to participate in fasting. However, Muslims must make up days lost during Ramadan whenever possible.
- Can you only fast for a few days, but not the whole month?
No, one must commit to fasting the whole month. Fasting takes discipline and dedication. Skipping days for illegitimate reasons defeats the purpose of Ramadan.
- Is fasting healthy or harmful to your body?
Science shows fasting helps clean your body and boost your immune system. In fact, there are countless studies showing the many benefits of fasting.
- How is Ramadan in America different from Ramadan in the Middle East or around the world?
Corporations, especially in the Middle East, accommodate Muslims during Ramadan by implementing policies allowing for a smoother and less stressful fast. Corporation policies for Ramadan aren’t usually accepted in more western countries for Muslim employees. Muslims must talk directly to management or human resources to work out possible requests during the holy month. This isn’t discrimination but is still a small issue Muslims may or may not face.
Sources:
http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/30/ramadan-fasting-what-you-can-and-cant-do-6672979/
http://www.humanreligions.info/monotheism.html
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/01/06/a-new-estimate-of-the-u-s-muslim-population/
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-fasting-that-will-surprise-you.html
http://www.elas.uk.com/supporting-employees-ramadan/