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International
Ramadan
Encyclopedia of Food and Culture | 2003 |
Fieldhouse, Paul | Copyright
RAMADAN
RAMADAN. Ramadan, the major fast of the
Islamic year, falls in the ninth lunar month.
Traditionally, Ramadan commences and ends
with the sighting of the new moon, though
now a standard calendar is more commonly
used.
The month-long fast involves abstinence from
food, liquids, smoking, and sexual intercourse
between the hours of sunrise and sunset, but
at night the holiday has turned into a feast in
many Arab countries, each of which has its
favorite special Ramadan foods and recipes.
Moreover, fasting must be undertaken with
spiritual intent (niyyah ), and this intent must
be renewed each day before dawn. Mean-
spirited words, and thoughts and deeds such
as slander, lying, and covetousness negate the
value of fasting. The fast commences each day
at dawn, immediately prior to which an early
morning meal, suhoor, should be eaten. It
usually includes a special bread called
mushtah and a sweet cream-filled pastry
called kilaj, which are served only during
Ramadan. During the day no food or drink
may be taken, which can be a severe test
when Ramadan falls during the hot summer
season. The day's fast is broken with a small
meal, iftar, taken as soon as possible after
sunset. Traditionally, this is dates and water in
remembrance of Muhammed, who always
broke his fast by first eating dates, followed
by lentil soup and salad. A larger, often quite
elaborate meal may be eaten later at a
mosque or shared with visiting friends and
family. There are no particular rules governing
what should be served for the main course.
Sweets are very popular during Ramadan.
Although the fast is obligatory for all sane
adult Muslims in good health, a number of
exemptions are allowed. These are seen as
proof of Allah's wish not to place too onerous
a burden on His people.
Children are not required to fast until they
reach the Age of Responsibility (twelve years
for girls; fifteen years for boys). Children from
the ages of six to eight may fast for half the
day, gradually increasing the duration until
old enough to fully observe the fast.
The elderly and the chronically ill whose
health may be compromised by fasting may
substitute the feeding of one poor person for
each day of fasting missed.
Pregnant and nursing women, women in
post-child-birth confinement, and
menstruating women may postpone the fast
and make up the days later.
Those who are sick, traveling, or engaged in
hard labor may make up missed fast days
later.
Unintentional breaking of the fast is not
punished, and Muslims are enjoined to break
their fast if there is a threat to health. Other
types of infractions require restitution. This is
of two kinds: Qada, which involves making up
missed days, and Kaffarah, which additionally
exacts a penalty from the transgressor.
Fasting in a religious context is often
undertaken for reasons of self-denial,
penance, or mourning. In contrast, the
Ramadan fast is a festive occasion of
gratitude and thanksgiving to God. It has also
acquired moral, social, and physical virtues.
Observance of the fast is commonly seen as a
way of receiving pardon for past sins; it
creates empathy with the plight of the
hungry, and it teaches self-control and
endurance of deprivation.
Following Ramadan there is a three-day
festival of prayer and feasting known as ʿAl
Id-Fitr. Special sweet dishes are prepared,
giving the festival its other name of Sweet Id.
Muslims give thanks to Allah for enabling
them to perform their duty of fasting, and
there is much visiting and exchange of gifts,
including food, with family and friends.
Charitable giving is also encouraged. 		20/07/2012 14:53
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21587 msgs.
Golden Ball
 Oouch,am getting weak and feeling dizzy,dont think i can hold this fasting till evening
good striker first lady,i enjoyed my time reading this,more grace to your elbow. 		20/07/2012 15:42
  🦊3773™ - Div2/Gr1
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International
 ok thanks. 20/07/2012 16:12
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Substitute
 I think every culture and religion should update/upgrade/level up its beliefs because most of them are very much outdated.... 21/07/2012 10:38
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International
 so what do you mean. Pls explain more 21/07/2012 14:08
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International
 oO we should just leave this thread as peaceful as every other thread about someones religion or culture. Informative, intuitive and without hostility 21/07/2012 14:16
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Golden Ball
Oyewale said:
Oouch,am getting weak and feeling dizzy,dont think i can hold this fasting till evening
good striker first lady,i enjoyed my time reading this,more grace to your elbow.

no sentiment here,check this am not a muslim anyway.whether outdated or not leave things as it be. 		21/07/2012 14:33
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Ball boy
 u must have 2 d fastin on 21/07/2012 16:10
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Ball boy
 happy ramadan karim 21/07/2012 16:11
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Golden Ball
mayman said:
u must have 2 d fastin on

dont get you please 		21/07/2012 16:44
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