The month of Ramadan 1439 starts mid-May for Muslims this year. Everyone who plans to participate has their own unique practices but there are some facts that stay the same across the board. The 5miles marketplace has items and services that can help you prepare, decorate, and even eat during these 30 days! You don’t have to be Muslim to take part in activities and if you are then #RamadanMubarak!
• Muslims all over the world regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race or color participate in fasting for the entire month of Ramadan:
They’re not permitted to eat or drink as soon as the sun rises until dusk throughout the month. Muslims are also supposed to stay away from impurities and other faulty pleasures.
• The new crescent moon determines the start of Ramadan:
The start of Ramadan can vary in different places, as people still rely on someone seeing the new moon with the naked eye. The starting date also differs annually, as Islam functions that depend on a lunar calendar don’t match up with the solar calendar of the secular world.
• People fasting only eat before the sun rises and after the sunsets:
The meal taken before sunrise is called Suhoor and the meal taken after sunset is called Iftar.
• The Ramadan fast or Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam:
Fasting is one of Islam’s five fundamental obligations or “pillars”. The pillars include [1] believing the Shahada (affirmation that there is no deity besides God and his prophet Muhammad PBUH), [2] performing Salat (prayer), [3] giving Zakat (charity) and [5] Hajj (taking at least a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca).
• Ramadan’s Purpose:
Participants are supposed to focus their mind on prayer, purity, spirituality and charity. Fasting in Islam should remind you of the importance of self-control and the suffering of the poor. Ramadan fasting is also supposed to help cleanse your body and mind.
• Breaking the fast unintentionally has no penalty:
It’s only natural to sip from a water fountain when you’re thirsty or take bite from a friend when offered one. If you accidentally break your religious fast, it is not considered as wrongdoing in Islam. In fact, the accident is considered a blessing from God and the person should continue fasting the rest of the day.
Individuals are encouraged to discontinue their Ramadan fast if it threatens their overall health. Children, individuals who are travelling, pregnant women, and a few others are excluded from the obligation to fast.
• Eid ul-Fitr:
This is a large festival celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, this Eid (there are two) begins the moment the new moon is sighted. Muslims celebrate with family and friends. They prepare large meals and donate to charity so that poor people can also celebrate.
To celebrate or take part in the conversation, use #Ramadan, #RamadanMubarak or #RamadanKareem when you post on social media. Talk to anyone who know or think may be Muslim and never hesitate to ask questions to learn more. Don’t forget to check out the 5miles marketplace for the latest Ramadan-themed items around you. Be sure to post your religious or cultural items to 5miles to help others celebrate. Have fun!
