Ramadan is considered to be one of the most sacred times for Muslims. It is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and is the most holy. It is said that in A.D. 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book. From March 10 to April 9, 2024, Muslims will fast, which is not eating from pre-dawn to sunset. The fast lasts from 11 to 16 hours depending on the time of the year and for 29 to 30 days.
Senior Chayton Kendall is Muslim and participates in Ramadan.
“To us, Ramadan is the holiest month,” he said. “Muhammad received the first part of the Quran during Ramadan. In this month we fast, no food or water, from sunrise to sunset. In the mornings we eat breakfast, called suhoor, and in the evenings we have our dinner, which is called Iftar.”
Ramadan is not just fasting, though. It is also abstaining from smoking and if married, sexual activities. It is a time for people to avoid things that are physically and spiritually negative such as lying and arguing. Muslims consider this as a chance to become a better person and to improve themselves. It is also considered a time for Muslims to come together, socialize and pray together in mosques.
The goal of fasting is to gain a greater God-consciousness, which, in Arabic, is “taqwa.” It represents the state of constant awareness of God. This helps a person to gain self-restraint and discipline to steer clear of any wrongdoings. During this time Muslims strive to read the entire Quran.
There are many different ways to greet others during Ramadan, such as “Ramadan Kareem,” which means “generous Ramadan.” It’s the most commonly used phrase in the United Arab Emirates. “Ramadan Mubarak” is another way to wish someone a “Blessed Ramadan.”