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"Not even water?" - #Ramadan 
explained.
So it's that time of year when your Muslim friends/family/colleagues are observing #Ramadhan and you know it's to do with not eating but why? And seriously, not even water?!
THREAD:
explained. So it's that time of year when your Muslim friends/family/colleagues are observing #Ramadhan
and you know it's to do with not eating but why? And seriously, not even water?! THREAD:
"How is it pronounced?" 'Rah-muh-daan' #Ramadhan (spelt correct with or without the H as it's a transliteration of an Arabic word) is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It's a lunar calendar and months consist of either 29/30 days depending on the visibility of the new moon.
(spelt correct with or without the H as it's a transliteration of an Arabic word) is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It's a lunar calendar and months consist of either 29/30 days depending on the visibility of the new moon.
"Why does #Ramadhan always start on a different date every year?"
The Islamic calendar is not synchronised with the seasons because lunar calendars consist of 354/355 days compared to the Gregorian calendar which consists of 365 days so there is an annual drift of 10 days.
always start on a different date every year?"The Islamic calendar is not synchronised with the seasons because lunar calendars consist of 354/355 days compared to the Gregorian calendar which consists of 365 days so there is an annual drift of 10 days.
"You can't even drink water?"
Nope. #Ramadhan is total abstention from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk for the entire month. This is only compulsory on healthy adults and there are exceptions for the young, sick, travellers and also pregnant women.
Nope. #Ramadhan
is total abstention from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk for the entire month. This is only compulsory on healthy adults and there are exceptions for the young, sick, travellers and also pregnant women.
Fasting during #ramadhan isn't just about discipline with our eating habits. It's also a chance to spirtually recalibrate by avoiding immorality (gossip, lying, swearing, anger etc.) whilst encouraging good deeds (showing compassion, giving charity, engaging in sincere worship)
isn't just about discipline with our eating habits. It's also a chance to spirtually recalibrate by avoiding immorality (gossip, lying, swearing, anger etc.) whilst encouraging good deeds (showing compassion, giving charity, engaging in sincere worship)
The main purpose of #Ramadhan is to attain 'taqwa' = consciousness of God. It's easy to sneak some food or water when no one is around to see but being aware of God, All Seeing and All Knowing, is when you practise true restraint and self-discipline.
is to attain 'taqwa' = consciousness of God. It's easy to sneak some food or water when no one is around to see but being aware of God, All Seeing and All Knowing, is when you practise true restraint and self-discipline.
The idea is that if, when experiencing the most basic desires (thirst or hunger), we can restrain ourselves purely out of obedience to the command of God then we prove our ability to do so with ease all yr around when it comes to other desires/vices (laziness, lust, smoking etc.)
"How long are the fasts?"
Fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset which differs according to the country you live and the season we are in. Right now in the London, UK fasts are 17 hours long. They have hit 19+ hours in the height of summer and an easier 9+ hours in winter.
Fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset which differs according to the country you live and the season we are in. Right now in the London, UK fasts are 17 hours long. They have hit 19+ hours in the height of summer and an easier 9+ hours in winter.
Typical #ramadhan day:
1.suhoor: pre-dawn meal (3am-ish). If done smartly provides slow releasing energy for the day;
2.iftaar: meal after sunset (8.30pm-ish). Marks the end of the day's fast;
3. taraweeh: congregational prayers in late evening (10pm-ish) for those able to attend
day:1.suhoor: pre-dawn meal (3am-ish). If done smartly provides slow releasing energy for the day;
2.iftaar: meal after sunset (8.30pm-ish). Marks the end of the day's fast;
3. taraweeh: congregational prayers in late evening (10pm-ish) for those able to attend
We're not supposed to avoid work/school/normal life. Yes, waking up in the middle of the night to eat & spending evenings engaging in extra worship does reduce sleep but many discover productivity during #Ramadhan and realise just how much time we usually spend on meals/snacking!
and realise just how much time we usually spend on meals/snacking!
"What should I do/not do around a fasting person?"
Don't change anything on our behalf. Eating/drinking in front of us is absolutely not a problem and not disrespectful in any way. Love that so many people are sensitive to this but there's really no need. #ramadhan
Don't change anything on our behalf. Eating/drinking in front of us is absolutely not a problem and not disrespectful in any way. Love that so many people are sensitive to this but there's really no need. #ramadhan
"Why would you put yourselves through that?"
We love it. Many Muslims look forward to #Ramadhan and are sad to see it pass so quick. Imagine the feeling of unity; knowing that around the world 1.8 billion Muslims are doing exactly the same as you.
We love it. Many Muslims look forward to #Ramadhan
and are sad to see it pass so quick. Imagine the feeling of unity; knowing that around the world 1.8 billion Muslims are doing exactly the same as you.
It's also a great physical and spiritual cleansing. Muslims, whether fasting or not, take the opportunity to reflect on their character/habits and many use the month to engage deeply with the Quran: the Word of God as revealed to the Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him #Ramadhan
Scientists say it takes 3 days to break/form a habit so imagine what the possibilities are after an entire month! Feel free to join us in solidarity this #ramadhan ; if not the food or drink then abstain from a vice you have like, for e.g., cut out swearing or backbiting!
; if not the food or drink then abstain from a vice you have like, for e.g., cut out swearing or backbiting!
"What's Eid?"
A day of celebration to mark the end of #ramadhan. There are special prayers for men (and women if they like) to attend in the morning and the rest of day is typically spent in the company of family/friends and, of course, food during the day again!
A day of celebration to mark the end of #ramadhan
. There are special prayers for men (and women if they like) to attend in the morning and the rest of day is typically spent in the company of family/friends and, of course, food during the day again!
Feel free to ask your Muslim family/friend/colleague any q's about #Ramadhan . It's often a helpful reminder to ourselves when we explain it all to someone else. I hope you get more of an answer than "we fast to know how the poor feel" 'cos it is about so much more than just that.
. It's often a helpful reminder to ourselves when we explain it all to someone else. I hope you get more of an answer than "we fast to know how the poor feel" 'cos it is about so much more than just that.
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