The Holy Month of Ramadan
In Islam, there are five pillars that Muslims are to follow:
Shahadah (Faith) – Muslims are to profess their faith that there is no God, but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger.
Salat (Prayer) – Praying five times a day.
Zakat (Charity) – Paying a portion of your income to help the poor and needy.
Sawm (Fasting) – Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Visiting the holy city of Mecca and taking part in the ceremonies.
This June is Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. There is more to it than just not eating or drinking. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God and charity to mankind.
Since the fast is based on sunrise and sunset, it is a different time every day for when to start and when to finish. This year, it is starting on June 5th until July 5th. Eid-al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan.
We asked Zeinab Najm a few questions regarding her experience during Ramadan.
Unmatched Magazine: How many years have you fasted for Ramadan?
Zeinab Najm: 13 years.
UM: How do you feel during your fast and after it is time to break it?
ZN: I feel a little sluggish when it comes work. Sleepy because I stay up late to eat before until the allowed time and of course hungry because I can't eat or drink! After breaking my fast I feel rewarded for the long day I fasted and reenergized.
UM: Do you ever feel weak like you're about to break your fast too early? What do you do or say to yourself to prevent that from happening?
ZN:Of course, everyone feels weak at some point of Ramadan. I have never broken my fast early though. I just say that it’s only this much time left and it will be worth it at the end of night.
UM: Does your family have any traditions during Ramadan? If so, what are they?
ZN: We always eat dinner together; hang out with family and friends after until the morning hours. We go to the bakery or restaurants to eat suhoor (meal that's eaten in the morning hours before the time when we can't eat anymore -- which changes every year). Also, go to the Mosque to pray on Fridays.
UM: Do you feel or notice a difference in you during Ramadan? If so, what is it?
ZN: The only difference I feel during Ramadan is just on my body and my ability to want to do extra activities where I would have to waste unneeded energy.
UM: What have you learned during Ramadan that you carried with you permanently?
ZA: Ramadan has taught me patience and selflessness more than anything. It taught me to appreciate everything I have and always try to give back to others who have less than I do.
So, please me mindful of your Muslim friends and coworkers. Don’t flaunt your food around them and be respectful. :)
BY ZOHAL AMIRI