Ramadan 2024. Why it is important that you know.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a religious holiday, celebrated by an estimated 1.8 Billion Muslims all over the world. It is dedicated to fasting, reflection, charity and community prayer. The date is based on the Hijri lunar calendar and expected to begin on the first day of Shawwal, its tenth month on Monday, March 11th., and continue through Wednesday, April 11th., 2024, ending the fast with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Muslims believe God will forgive the sins of those who respect the holy month.
Muslims believe that Prophet Mohammed and his followers celebrated the first Eid al-Fitr in 624 CE after the victorious battle of Jange-Badr. it was also during this month God gave the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad and told him he was in charge of carrying God’s message.The five pillars of Islam are: The declaration of faith (shahada), Prayer (salah), Alms-giving (zakat), Fasting (sawm) and Pilgrimage (hajj)
During this month, Muslims must practice a strict fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) during daylight hours. Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline, it helps them sympathize with those less fortunate, and it is a way to exercise self control , “mindfulness,” and most importantly it is an affirmation of faith.
Muslims eat a hearty breakfast before dawn known as suhur, and a meal after sunset called iftar that might start with dates and water or milk before dinner. hydration is particularly important during the summer months. The month of fasting will end in a celebration called “Eid al-Fitr”. [next ]
Why is it important for non-Muslims to know about Ramadan?
We have mentioned adult Muslims practice fasting during this month. It is important, that people who work with Muslim minors like teachers, coaches, and guardians, and even employers, know that minors are obliged to fast starting at 11 or 12 years old. Younger children participate in the celebratory meals in the evenings, and they are given the opportunity to do a partial fasting as they see fit through the day during the weekends with supervision of their parents.
Therefore, any minor 11 years old, and older ought to be exempt from physical exercise or being under the sun, while they exercise fasting ‘mindfulness,’ to honor their family traditions.
Foods eaten during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Halal meats, [processed the rightious way], Mediterranean Diet, NO fried foods, lots of Liquids.
Halal is a dietary law derived from Islamic teachings, meaning “lawful or permitted.” On the contrary, foods that are not considered halal are considered haram or “not permitted.” In order for meat to be certified halal, it must be slaughtered in a manner known as dhabiha. Dhabiha means that the blood was drained from the animal before it is butchered. A Muslim must recite a dedication known as tasmiya or shahada during this process.
You might have heard the word “Kosher” before, it means “appropriate” in the Hebrew language. Both Jews and Muslims share their beliefs in God as revealed in the Hebrew Bible. Devoted Jewish and Muslim communities hold dietary rules as essential to their faith.
Animals that are always haram “unlawful or forbidden” to eat include:
- Pork and its by-products are strictly forbidden
- Donkeys, mules, and horses
- Fanged animals (cats, dogs, bears, etc)
- Birds of prey
- Reptiles
- Some other animals, such as monkeys
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As always, it is my sincere hope that after reading these blogs you may be inspired to take one word, one story, one name and read more about them.