Fasting in the month of Ramadan

By: Ajuwon Rodiat

Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183) the month of Ramadan is here and upon us. Fasting is an act of worship to Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam along side Iman (faith), Solat (prayer), Zakat ( Almsgiving),and Hajj (pilgrimage).

The month of Ramadan is special to Muslims all over the world and it is observed by abstaining from eating, drinking. It is regarded as the month of blessing and usually comes up on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims are enjoined to do good works during this month to maximize the blessings of the month.
Here are a few things to know about Ramadan;
Fasting is not just abstaining from eating and drinking; it is also abstaining from foul language, bad thoughts, and vain speech. It is recommended that if someone is verbally abused, he should respond by saying ’I am Fasting’.
When Ramadan starts it is believed that the doors of heaven are opened and the doors of hell is closed and the devil is chained so it is advisable to do as much good deeds as possible.

It is important to have an intention to fast before eating Sahur (the meal eaten before fasting for the day) This meal has to be eaten before sunrise(Fajr) and to begin the fast and then ending in the evening at Dusk by breaking with water and dates followed by the meal known as Iftar.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims except children who have not reached age 10, travelers, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, old people and those who are physically and mentally unable to fast.

Missed fast has to be repaid after the month of Ramadan; people like menstruating women or someone who fell sick for a while during Ramadan, those who miss fast days out of necessity can make the time up later in the year. Individuals with serious illnesses or who are elderly and will likely never make up their fast days are expected to pay a “tax” called a Fidyah in which they give money to help feed a poor person for every day of Ramadan they miss. Those who cannot pay the fidyah or fast are placed under the category of the children and pardoned. Children of the Old people who cannot fast can help their parents repay their fast.

This holy month is when the Quran(the holy book was revealed and it is said that whoever makes a dua on the night of Decree called Laila til Qadr whose date is not known but the time frame is said to be the last 10 days of Ramadan; anyone who says a prayer on the night of decree, his/her prayers would be answered.
Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and is followed by a festival known as Eid-ul-fitr where Muslims eat in the morning and go to a mosque in their best clothe to perform 2rakat of solar and thereafter share food and celebrate with family and friends.
Ramadan Mubarak, wishing you a blessed Ramadan!