Ramadan: Some of What I’ve Learnt

By Aiden Charles (they/they)

Recently I was lucky enough to sit down and chat with Abdulquadri of the Massey University Muslim Society. During the time we spent together, he taught me a lot about a time of year very close to his heart and his faith: Ramadan. I must admit that prior to our meeting, I did not know much about Ramadan outside of very basic knowledge; that it is a very important time in Muslim culture, and that it lasts for roughly a month.

Abdulquadri clarified for me that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, but it is also so much more than that. It is a month that encourages good action, building relationships, bringing friends and family together to strengthen their relationships. It is a time that encourages social responsibility, giving charity to those who are in need. It is a time to show restraint and resilience. It is a period to look at what has happened, to reflect and prepare for the year to come.

During our talk, Abdulquadri opened my eyes about aspects of this time of year that I had little to no familiarity with. Afterwards, I came away with new knowledge, insight, and appreciation for Ramadan, confident that I could share what I learnt. Stay tuned, I’m sure you’ll learn something new too.

When IS Ramadan?

As I previously said, Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. The beginning of this month is marked by the appearance of the crescent moon. Abdulquadri taught me that Ramadan begins when the crescent moon is first seen, and will continue for twenty-nine days, until the next crescent moon is visible. If the new moon is not visible, Ramadan will go for thirty days as opposed to twenty-nine. As the month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, the start date for Ramadan will be slightly different each year.

Why is it observed?

Those of the Muslim faith believe that during the year 610 A.D. the angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran. Abdulquadri informed me that this time of year is a time to remember and celebrate the revelation of the Quran, as this event occurred during the month of Ramadan.

Fasting

A commonly known but often misunderstood aspect of Ramadan is the practice of fasting. To the uninformed, fasting may seem like a form of punishment. However, it is used to gain self-control and practice resilience. Fasting doesn’t even mean you’re not supposed to eat for X number of days either. There is a misconception that fasting during Ramadan means no food or drink at all, which could not be further from the truth. During Ramadan, the day is begun with the morning meal, Suhoor, which is eaten as close to dawn as possible. As a way of practicing self-control, people are encouraged to eat as close to the moment of sunlight breaking over the horizon as they are able. This is the first meal of the day, with the second taking place after dusk. Iftar is eaten after the sunset prayer. It is a meal shared with friends and family, either in their homes or at a Mosque.

Eid Al-Fitr

At the end of the month, Eid Al-Fitr, the “feast of fast breaking”, is held. This feast signifies that Ramadan is at its end and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwāl, the 10th month in the Muslim calendar. This feast is a time for official receptions, friends to visit one another, gifts to be exchanged, and families to visit the graves of loved ones.

Ramadan is an incredibly special time of year for Muslims, and I would like to thank Abdulquadri for taking the time out of his day to teach me more about it.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Massey University Muslim Society, you can find them at the Massey Islamic Centre on the Palmerston North campus or visit their Facebook page: Massey Muslim Society - Palmerston North.

If you are observing Ramadan over the coming weeks, then I hope you are well and have a good month. If someone you know is observing, remember to treat them and their culture with kindness and respect.