IT IS that time of the year again, where the 9th month of the HIjrah calendar, known to most as the holy month of Ramadhan, arrives once more. During this period, Muslims all over the world observe fasting from early dawn until sunset. We are not allowed to eat food, nor drink water or any beverage, until the time permits us to do so.
It begins with the early dawn suhur (meal) and ends with iftar (fast breaking meal). After sunset, the fast is broken and we can eat once more. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates or a light meal after maghrib prayer and before aisha, the daily evening prayer.
I can still remember my first iftar with my family. As the youngest in a family of eight -- four boys and four girls -- I would sit next to my mother in our dining room table. It was an amazing feast of food, fruits, and local delicacies. We also invite our relatives and neighbors to spend iftar with us.
My mom always told me that the main reason for fasting is for Muslims to develop self-discipline and piety. She always reminds me of the Qur’an 2: 183; “O you who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may obtain self-restraint.”
Fasting purifies our actions and thoughts. The long hours of meditation and prayers help us connect to Allah. It elevates us at a level of God’s consciousness.
When I was a (very) young boy, Ramadan for me and my family is a time for spiritual reflection through performing extra prayers (Tarawi and Tahdjud) and recitation of the Holy Qur’an. The long hours of hunger and thirst reminds us of the poor and destitute who needs our sympathy and generosity.
As time passes, however, the way we practice our religion has changed a lot.
Our youth’s access to numerous sources of information about Islam and their ability to exchange opinions with their chat groups, peers, and organizations inspire these younger generations to uncover the full depth of the meaning of Ramadan and define the relevance of its rituals for themselves.
Now, as an adult, my point of view has new meaning. Every Ramadhan, I asked myself ‘What’s in it for me spiritually, emotionally and physically? With my physical condition of having frequent migraine attacks and hyper-acidity, how can I have a more meaningful way of fasting?
However, this observation is now also common to every Muslim youth today. They see Ramadhan as a way of spiritual and emotional cleansing, not just in the physical sense. They see a more purposeful commemoration of the holy month, and sometimes that challenges certain traditions that we hold.
According to the youth, the pressure from their parents to follow traditions is actually a detriment to them. They want to be able to discern, for themselves, and make a decision that is right for them.
I asked some Muslim youth regarding how they commemorate Ramadhan, and what it is like for them. Some choose to fast during Ramadhan because it helps for them to appreciate their religion, sacrifices, and relationship with others and with God.
What I found interesting is that they emphasize that, for them, it was a personal decision. A person cannot force another person to make a choice for them, and this has made them better Muslims in turn. In that way, they are more capable of being in service to our community, or ummah.
This year’s Ramadhan may start on May 5 or 6 depending on the moon sighting to be conducted by our ulama, and ends on June 3 or 4. Let us hope for a peaceful and meaningful commemoration of our faith. May Allah accept all of our prayers.