Do not eat between early morning and late evening for a month. It is Ramadan for tens of thousands of Muslims. The annual fasting month is now ingrained in Dutch society, but not everyone knows what’s going on. When Ramadan starts depends on the phase of the moon. Ramadan begins when the moon takes the shape of a crescent. This year Ramadan starts on Monday, March 11. Five questions about Ramadan.
Why do Muslims observe Ramadan?
Sacrifice and reflection are the core values of Ramadan for Muslims. It is a month of tolerance, charity, fraternization, reflection and forbearance. Showing solidarity with those in need is what it’s all about.
What is not allowed during Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink and sex, among other things. After sunrise and before sunset, that is. When the sun goes down, all this is allowed again. Having sex after sunset is also allowed, provided it is with your own partner. Lying, swearing, gossiping and swearing is especially bad during Ramadan. This is intended to teach Muslims self-discipline, patience and empathy for the less fortunate.
In addition to fasting, Muslims also increase their spiritual activities during Ramadan, such as reading and studying the Quran, attending the mosque for special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh, and giving to charity.
Who does not have to fast?
In principle, every Muslim must participate in Ramadan. There is an exception for those who may experience physical discomfort from fasting. The chronically ill, pregnant women and the elderly may skip Ramadan. Travelers and people who have to do heavy physical labor do not have to fast, but must make up the missed days later. Those who did not fast had to provide compensation in the form of paying a ‘Fidya’. This is an amount equal to thirty daily meals and should be given to people who can use it.
From what age is Ramadan mandatory?
Very young children do not need to fast. Only when adulthood is reached should a child participate in Ramadan. According to Islamic law, there is no age limit for adulthood. Instead, girls reach adulthood after their first period, boys when they first ejaculate or when pubic hair grows. For real late bloomers, the age of 15 is used.
Why does Ramadan always fall at a different time?
Ramadan takes its name from the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Like the regular calendar, it has twelve months, but they are only 29 or thirty days. An Islamic year therefore only has 354 days. As a result, Ramadan moves forward slightly every year.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, which is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate with food, gifts and prayers.