Bring on the dates commercial (you know which one), it’s that time of the year again! Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Muslims all around the world fast, increase good deeds and abstain from the haram. But there’s more to it than that. Here we give you a guide to the holy month of Ramadan and why, due to the coronavirus outbreak, it would not be the same this year.
1. There are no fixed dates of Ramadan annually
As the Muslim lunar calendar is shorter than the Georgian calendar, Ramadan commences on different dates each year. This year, the first day of Ramadan is today (24 April 2020). This is determined by looking for the new moon to appear.
2. Fasting from sunrise to sunset
For a whole month, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset. Malaysians and Singaporeans are fortunate to be living in countries with equal hours of day and night. Some countries would be fasting for more than 14 hours! Fasting during Ramadan is not just abstaining from food and drinks, it’s also fasting from prohibited acts, getting angry and gossiping too.
3. Sahoor and iftar
Sahoor is the meal eaten before fasting begins and iftar is the meal to break fast. These meals are often enjoyed in gatherings among family and friends. Whether it’s at restaurants or hotel buffets, this year the get-togethers are minimal due to the coronavirus outbreak.
4. Terawih prayers
After iftar, families will get ready to travel to the nearest mosque and perform the Terawih prayers. It is only done during Ramadan. Unfortunately, this year all prayers at the mosque are prohibited due to the Movement Control Order and Circuit Breaker.
5. Almsgiving
During Ramadan, one of the good deeds that is often practiced is helping the less fortunate. Even though paying zakat is a must of Muslims, many would also turn to various charity and institutions to give donations.
6. Bazaars
Each year, for Malaysians and Singaporeans, one of the most anticipated activities of Ramadan is going to the bazaars! With a vast choice of food, colourful drinks and sweet traditional treats, it is truly a special gastronomic experience. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this is unfortunately cancelled for the year.
7. The celebration to commemorate the ending of Ramadan
At the end of the month, the new moon is searched again to mark the ending of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid or Hari Raya. New clothes are donned, sparklers are lit, and families come together for celebrations. This year, it may not be the same due to travelling restrictions.
While there are many changes to the annual festivities, your time at home can be an enlightening one. With less distractions and more time in your hands, spirituality can come at ease. Nookmag wishes you a blessed Ramadan!
