Ramadan: The ABC's

In the last post, I talked about my own experience of fasting during Ramadan.  In this post, I'd like to give just a brief overview of what Ramadan is, using the 5 basic questions that I'm sure appear in some elementary or middle school English curriculum:  how, who (and who does not), when, where, why, and what (else).

How:  How do Muslims Fast?

• from sunrise (around 4am) till sunset (around 6:30pm), Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during those hours.  It's not as easy as it sounds, if you are on your regular work schedule. 

Who:  Who fasts during Ramadan?

• all Muslims who are 'old enough'.  This 'old enough' can mean different things.  I've heard people say puberty, I've known families who start their kids when they are 8 or 9.  Sometimes young kids are 'eased' into fasting by fasting for part of the day, or only part of Ramadan. 

Who:  Who Does Not Fast? 

• women who are pregnant or nursing
• people who are sick
• people who are traveling.  A couple of years ago, I was flying out from Bahrain during Ramadan and was surprised to see all of the restaurants open and serving food.  I think I got some Caribou Coffee.

When:  When do Muslims Fast? 

• During Ramadan, one of the months in the Muslim calendar
• This year, Ramadan is from August 1st until (presumably) August 31 or Sept 1 - depending on the siting of the moon. 
• The Muslim calendar follows the lunar calendar, making the Muslim year about 10 or 11 day shorter than the western calendar.  As a result, the Muslim calendar moves back relative to the western calendar every year. 

Where:  Where do Muslims Fast? 

• Wherever there is a Muslim, I guess.  Here, fasting is part of the social fabric as well as civil society. 
• In Bahrain (and many countries in the middle east) consumption of food and drink is not permitted in public from sunrise to sunset.  As a result, all restaurants are closed during the day, and are open for extended hours at night (sometimes till 2 or 3 am). 

Why:  Why Fast during the Month of Ramadan? 

• The month of Ramadan is when Muslims believe that Mohammed was given the first portions of the Quran. 

Why:  Why Fast at All? 

• To experience hunger and gain knowledge of what it is like to be poor 
• To cleanse the soul 
• To practice self-discipline
• To become closer to God 

What:  What else do Muslims do during Ramadan? 

• Give to the Poor 
• Spend lots of time with family in the evenings
• Give gifts to each other