The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, starts on April 13th. What does this mean for Muslims and what is it all about? The overview.Berlin.Eat nothing and drink nothing, from sunrise to sunset - for 30 days: For around 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, the fasting month of Ramadan 2021 begins this Tuesday, April 13th. For the second time in a row is a lot different.
After sunset, the believers usually meet for iftar, the breaking of the fast, and for nightly prayers in the mosque. Family and friends sit together late into the night. It is still unclear how the month of fasting can be celebrated this year in view of the corona requirements and contact restrictions.
Good week newsletter
All the best from Berlin in one newsletter - good news every week
By subscribing to the newsletter, I agree to the advertising agreement. Fields marked with * are mandatory. You can unsubscribe at any time via a link in the newsletter.
Ramadan: WHO warns of corona spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of an increase in corona infections in the Arab world during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. "The situation is not getting any better and many countries are moving in a worrying direction," Ahmed al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said in early April. Ramadan, like Easter, would bring with it the risk of a further increase in infections. "We realize these are important occasions that should be celebrated, but please protect yourself and others."
But what is the background to Ramadan? What exactly is this important religious custom all about? Who Must Fast? And what are the exceptions? The overview.
How long does Ramadan last?
The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, lasts 30 days. It is one of the five pillars of Islam along with the creed, daily prayers, charity for the needy and the pilgrimage to Mecca.
What is Ramadan Kareem?
With the greeting "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem"/"Ramadan Karim" Muslims wish a blessed Ramadan.
What does fasting mean in Islam?
Fasting in Ramadan is the third of five pillars of the Islamic faith, i.e. one of the most important foundations of the religion. In the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from sunrise to sunset - this should lead to a return to the essentials and encourage modesty and gratitude.
Why do we have to fast in Ramadan?
A flyer from the Islamic organization Ditib, the Islamic association with the most members in Germany, states: "The actual goal of fasting is to gain God's approval." Fasting should show man's abstinence. "There is a donation for everything; and the donation of the body is fasting," the flyer continues.
Ditib also describes the benefits and meaning of Ramadan. It states that fasting "enhances our ethical values, protects us from evil, teaches man to be kind (...), makes man healthy physically and spiritually, teaches man patience, and teaches man to to understand the true value of blessing".
When does Ramadan begin?
According to the Koran, Ramadan begins when the crescent moon becomes visible after the new moon. The date may vary regionally and is determined by religious scholars. In 2021, Ramadan begins on April 13th and ends on May 12th with the Sugar Festival.
What are the rules for Ramadan?
During Lent, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. During this time, they get up before sunrise to eat and drink. During the day they eat nothing. The breaking of the fast begins after sunset and ends with a Ramadan prayer.
There is more to fasting than abstaining from food and drink. The believers should renounce all human desires: sexual intercourse, alcohol consumption or smoking are taboo. On the Ditib website it says: "Fasting teaches people who are in a hurry to keep calm. It teaches them to keep their endless desires and urges under control." Many people also forego flashy clothing, perfume or make-up during the time of Ramadan.
What does Ramadan have to do with donations?
An important aspect of Lent is donations: During Ramadan, Muslims help the needy. Organizations such as Save the Children specifically call for donations during the month of fasting.
Is Ramadan suitable for children?
Actually, all healthy believers who are of legal age are obliged to fast. In this case, anyone who has reached puberty is considered to be of legal age. Children do not need to fast. Many families gradually introduce young people to fasting.
Ramadan: Who doesn't have to fast?
Besides children, there are other exceptions. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, menstruating women, the sick or the elderly do not need to fast. Even those who are traveling are excluded from Ramadan. Sometimes athletes or people who do hard physical work do not observe the fasting period. However, if you can, you have to make up for the fasting days later.
When does Ramadan end and when can you eat again?
Ramadan usually lasts 30 days. For Muslims in Germany, the month of fasting ends on May 12 this year. Then the big, three-day fast-breaking, also known as the Sugar Festival, begins.
What is the name of the festival after Ramadan?
Along with the Festival of Sacrifice, the Sugar Festival is one of the most important holidays for Muslims. In addition to visiting the mosque with prayer, visiting parents or grandparents is also part of it. The festival is celebrated together with relatives. Children in particular receive gifts, money and sweets.
The month of fasting takes place once a year, but is not based on the Gregorian calendar, but on the lunar calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves forward by ten or eleven days each year.
How to support Muslims during Ramadan
Consideration is the key word. It is enough, for example, to simply look and ask how the fasting is doing.
