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Marhaba ya Ramadan (Hello Ramadan)
Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, began this year on March 22, 2023, in which all Muslims are restricted from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.
Religious leader from New Haven Diyanet Mosque, Muhammet Çopür states that Muslims fast during Ramadan to feel closer to Allah through prayer, Allah is the god of Islam religion. The month of Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran is the holy book of Islam. Ramadan is dedicated to the Quran and strengthening Muslims' relationship with Allah. Junior Taniya Ahmed says, “It is a month where Muslims strive to be the best version of themselves and connect with Islam and Allah throughout the month.” During this time of fasting, Muslims fast for a total of thirty days. The dates of Ramadan change every year due to the lunar Islamic calendar that follows the phases of the moon.
Throughout the month Muslims read the Quran and pray five times a day. Fajr prayer begins at dawn, Zuhr prayer starts at noon, Asr prayer in the afternoon, Maghrib begins at sunset, and Isha prayer at night. A special prayer during Ramadan is Taraweeh, where Muslims read a long portion of the Quran while performing cycles of movement in the Islamic prayer called Rakahs. Sophomore Gonul Celik says, “Ramadan makes me happy, I get to go to the mosque every day where I can see my friends and pray with them.” Many people pray at their homes or go to mosques for prayer.
When it's Maghrib prayer at sunset that means it's time to break the fast. Muslims break their fast by first eating dates, followed by a feast, as Prophet Muhammad. Muslims then wake up before sunrise to eat the first meal called Suhoor, which lasts until sunset. Many traditional foods are eaten during Ramadan. For instance Sambusas, which is a dough filled with vegetables or meat.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting that embraces peaceful days of fasting and worship in Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by breaking your fast and attending morning prayer at the mosque. People celebrate by spending time with family and friends within the community. For instance, Junior Taniya Ahmed says, “I celebrate Eid by dressing up and performing the prayer for this special holiday. I celebrate with my Muslim community and my family throughout the day.” Many people gather together on Eid al-Fitr to exchange gifts and money. While all Muslims may celebrate Eid al-Fitr differently it is all for one belief: strengthening their relationship with Allah.
Ramadan Mubarak!
(Blessed Ramadan)
