Letter: Understanding Ramadan

Contingent on the sighting of the new moon at the beginning of this week, most likely to occur on Monday evening based on the calculations of the Fiqh Council of North America, hundreds of thousands of Quebecers will embark on a month-long of fasting and prayer. Known as Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, this unique month is central to the Muslim faith and is especially revered. Among the several attributes of this month was the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and its association with some of the major historical events that contributed to the formation of the Muslim nation.

Only those who have reached the age of puberty, are able-bodied, and are considered legally fit for fasting — in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence — can observe the fast. As the beginning of the month of Ramadan is officially determined by the sighting of the new moon, so is its end, which is also marked by preparations for the first day (Eid Al Fitr) of the month of Shawwal.

Many Quebecers will learn that their Muslim colleagues in the workplace need to abstain from eating, drinking and engaging in any form of intimacy from sunrise to sunset in strict compliance with the teachings of Islam, given that fasting in Ramadan is a foundational pillar of the Muslim faith (the third in a hierarchy of five). It comes immediately after the five daily prayers and is equally revered on account of the spiritual benefits the Muslim reaps as a result of depriving the flesh of natural desire for several hours a day.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims learn about the meaning of abstention, necessity and deprivation, and how Ramadan places the rich and the poor on equal footing. Even when they break the fast at sunset, Muslims are meant to reflect on what they have spiritually accomplished as a result of self-denial and rigorous discipline during the day. After all, the rationale of the fast in Ramadan transcends the physical to embrace the spiritual, as the purification of the soul is a cause worthy of the sacrifice.

Ramadan is also a month of work and productivity. In fact, the physical effort made during this month is doubled as is the reward, for Muslims are meant to maintain their faith and meet its injunctions while concentrating on their work and contributing to the welfare of society. Faith becomes a driving force that energizes the body. Community outreach and charity are particularly emphasized during the month of Ramadan, and these acts of benevolence embrace Muslims and non-Muslims. In fact, funds are raised extensively in Ramadan to help prepare “Iftar” (the first meal taken after the fast) for fellow Muslims and for those who need food in the community at large. Literally and symbolically, the doors of charity are open to all.

As Quebecers understand the meaning and the purpose of Ramadan, they get closer to a thriving, spiritually driven and entrepreneurially bent Muslim community whose values are interwoven in the fabric of the Canadian society.