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Sadiya Abdurahman

It was fall of 2008 and I was sitting in my communications class at The University of Minnesota just wondering what the next assignment would be with these eventful schedules.   After going through today’s lecture the instructor announces that we will be giving another speech in three weeks, this time “Informative”.   So, then I asked myself what should I inform or educate about my classmates.  After going through so many topics in my head, I made a decision to educate people about Ramadan; since, we recently celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr (festivity of breaking the fast) and educating my teachers and classmates about Ramadan would be a Da’wa. In my speech I talked about three main points; what is Ramadan, who should fast, and the benefits of Ramadan. I never thought that giving a short speech would make great remarks from my teachers and classmates.

As I begin my speech I started talking about Ramadan, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and thus it is one of the five pillars in Islam and one of the highest acts of Islamic worship.  It is this month that the Quran was revealed.

Allah said in the Quran,

“Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation” (2:185)

During this month, Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset, even though people in different places have different timing tables for sunrise and sunset, they all fast for one reason which is to follow Allah’ command.  During the time of fasting Muslims are forbidden to eat drink, smoke, gossip or have sexual relations.

Allah stated in the Quran,

“Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the Masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD’s laws; you shall not transgress
them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation” (2:187).

During the time of fasting, Muslims appreciate what they have by thanking Allah on what He has bestowed on them, feeding the poor, visiting the sick, caring for the elders, and cleaning the streets. Fasting is not only a physical discipline in one’s life, but it is also a way to feel the afflictions of the poor.   Allah said in 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” (2:183).

During this month, people spend majority of their time praying and worshiping Allah day and night asking for His forgiveness, mercy and guidance. It is a month of getting together with the families, relatives and friends.

Allah said in the Quran,

“When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided” (2:186).

Who can fast Ramadan?

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on those who can do it. Sick people and some travelers in certain conditions are exempted from the fast but must make it up as they are able.  Also women with their menstrual period are exempted from the fasting but must make it up when they are able to.

The benefits of Ramadan;

• It is a month of sacrifice
• Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
• Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
• Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.”
• Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
• Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits — particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
• Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ending

I concluded my speech by saying that Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, and all the righteous deeds that one experiences should continue through the rest of his/her life.  After  finishing my speech my instructor came to me and said, “ Sadiya, I used to fast Ramadan for so many years with my ex-husband, and now with your speech I have learned more than I was taught, Thanks.”  A classmate came tom me and said “I never thought that Ramadan is about self-control and feeding the poor.”

Almost everyone hears about Ramadan At least once a year, but not everyone has the real knowledge of Ramadan.

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