Ramadan considered a spiritual retreat

More than 1.2 billion Muslims around the world have begun observing the month of Ramadan through fasting by day and praying by night, following the command of God: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become pious.” (Quran 2:138).

The monthlong daily fasting that Muslims observe from dawn to dusk is considered a spiritual retreat, and its goal is to become more conscious of God in every aspect of life throughout the year.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith – this means that fasting is obligatory for every healthy, adult Muslim.

In Islam, fasting means to abstain from eating, drinking and marital affairs from dawn to sunset.

Usually, a fasting person eats a good meal called Suhoor before dawn and breaks his/her fast at sunset with a date, followed by another large meal known as Iftar.

The elderly and the sick are exempt from fasting; instead, they are instructed to feed a needy person for every day of the month.

Expecting and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting as well, but they are allowed to make up the days they miss later on.

Ramadan is considered a sacred month in which the Quran, Islam’s holy book, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel more than 1,400 years ago.

In addition to fasting, Muslims also use this month to read the Quran and reflect on God’s commands.

Special nightly prayers, called Taraweeh, are also provided at their local mosques.

After the completion of the month, Muslims celebrate the festive and joyous holiday of Eid Ul-Fitr – literally “the Festival of the Fast-breaking.”

On Eid Day, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing new clothes and feeling proud of fulfilling their obligation to their God.

Throughout the day, Muslims greet one another with a traditional salutation of “Eid Mubarak” – literally “Holiday Blessings.”

After this morning prayer service, Muslim families visit each other, exchanging ethnic sweets like Mamool (sugar coated cookies filled with dates or pistachios) and pastries like Baklava (in different shapes and nuts fillings).

Children are also often rewarded with gifts and money to celebrate their accomplishments and achievements during Ramadan.

Randa Shabayek is a member of the Masjid Al-Khair mosque in Youngstown.