Cover Photo Credit: Mason Tozer
This year, Ramadan began on Tuesday, February 17th, and practitioners observe the holy month by engaging in one of the foundational pillars of Islam: fasting.
Ramadan is the ninth month according to the Islamic calendar, and each year it falls 10–11 days earlier than the previous year due to the Lunar basis of the Islamic calendar. Fascinatingly, while the mainstream Gregorian calendar is solar-based, the Islamic months start at the first crescent moon sighting. This is the reason you’ll hear moon-sighting related announcements for the commencement of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, or any Islamic days of importance. On December 25th, 2033, Eid al-Fitr and Christmas will likely fall on the same day!
The act of fasting is a substantial form of devotion, which practitioners see as a way to practice humility and minimalism and/or restraint—often benefitting them physically and spiritually. Days during Ramadan begin with a meal before Suhoor (sunrise), and fasting commences from sunrise until it’s time to break fast at Iftaar (sunset).
Muslims commemorate Ramadan by fasting, as the Qur’an was first revealed to The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) during this month. Interestingly, the exact night that this occurred (Laylatul Qadr) is unknown, but Muslim scholars presume it to be during one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Muslim scholars present this as encouragement for Muslims to perform reverence throughout, as the prayers that one makes during this Night of Decree are sealed and fulfilled.
Charity or Zakat is another pillar of significance people practice by extending one’s generosity to the underprivileged through money or other forms of donation (food, supplies, etc.). This generosity rises from the realization of deprivation that the disadvantaged face, when those fasting experience hunger and thirst for 12–15 hours a day. Additionally, The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was immensely generous; thus, Muslims also practice their benevolence to further develop their relationships with God.
Mohammad Sadiq, a student at UNB, commented on the things he misses from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he grew up, and the difference of observing Ramadan here in Fredericton.
“[At Iftaar] they set up stalls [outside restaurants] … and it’s a whole celebration … Everything’s open till 2 a.m. because you have Suhoor around 3 a.m,” Sadiq said. “A lot of resources in UNB are helpful. The meal hall helps [accommodate] with Iftaar … [and] they also give you a small meal packet for Suhoor.”
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, where Muslims celebrate their attempts at living minimally, and the day begins with the ritual of a big communal prayer—Takbeerat.
Sadiq adds:
“In Fredericton, there’s a nice, big Eid prayer which … last year happened downtown in the Exhibition Centre … It’s a big congregation and the [local] Muslim community does a good job at making people aware of what’s happening.”
In the spirit of celebration, people spend time with family and friends exchanging gifts, and of course, feasting on decadent foods. This year, rumours state Eid al-Fitr will start between the 19th or 20th of March.
