Dear Editor,
Muslims all around the world will be observing the month of Ramadan, which this year begins on March 11 to April 10.
Ramadan is the “Month of blessing” as well as, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, smoking, bodily desires, swearing, gossip or other sinful acts, during daylight hours. Muslims will be focusing in this month on prayers and charity.
A Muslim will fast from sunrise to sunset. This means a Muslim will awake before dawn to have Suhoor. Then they will abstain from any food or drink (including water), until sunset, which is the time to break the fast with a meal known as Iftar.
During the time of the fast, a Muslim could be going through hunger and/or thirst. This reminds them of the suffering of the poor and the less fortunate. It also gives time to practice self-control and cleanse the body and mind. Fasting also helps Muslims feel that comes from spiritual devotion, and helps worshippers concentrate on devotion and worship, express gratitude and seek forgiveness.
All Muslims are expected to fast, except children (who have not reached puberty), elderly, expectant mothers, mothers who are breast feeding, a person with any type off illness e.g., diabetes, any medical condition that requires medicine during the day (even if that is eye drops).
Month of Ramadan will end with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr when the new moon is sighted. This year Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 10 in Canada.
Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims and fellow Canadians.
Sairah Khan (Ahmadiyya Muslim Association)
Airdrie, AB
