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Ramadan: a month of fasting, prayers, reflection and community

Di Barbara Passerini

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it’s observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayers, reflection and community. Fasting means that during the month of Ramadan Muslims won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset, and it’s important as it allows people to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to their God. It ends with the arrival of the next lunar month, which starts with the first glimpse of the new crescent moon.

Fasting it’s also one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the bases of this religion. The other Pillars are Faith, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Actually not all Muslims are expected to fast, in fact children under the age of twelve, people who are travelling, elderly people, pregnant women and others where it may affect their health are exempt.
People can eat and drink once the sun has set, and the evening meal is a social event that can go on for hours, there are special foods shared and prepared, and desserts are particularly popular. However, as well as not eating, drinking or smoking, Muslims during this time try to avoid bad actions. In fact is a time for them to work on being more patient, more tolerant and more mindful of the people around them. Many Muslims also donate money to charities, and a lot of Islamic charities organise food packs for people in poorer countries or refugee camps.

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting. There are many Eid traditions, mainly centred around family, food, generosity and festivities. On this day Muslims wake up early and dress in their finest clothes to attend the Eid prayers. After that, they wish each other a happy Eid before spending the rest of the day with their extended families, enjoying good food and sharing gifts with loved ones.