Fasting is a core aspect of many world religions, often accompanied by unique rituals. Abstaining from certain foods and drinks is believed to purify the body and soul and bring inner peace. Fasting days offer time for prayer and meditation.
Religions greatly influence dietary habits globally. “Religion impacts daily routines, including one’s diet. Mohammed fasted before receiving the Quran’s revelations. Moses fasted before hearing God’s word. Fasting in Islam is fundamental, requiring complete abstinence from food, water, drinks, smoking, bathing, inhaling incense, entertainment, etc., during daylight. Restrictions lift after sunset. Exemptions apply to those unable to fast (war, captivity, illness), the mentally ill, elderly, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Those exempt must donate the value of a day’s meals to feed the needy; those unable should provide at least one meal for someone in need.”
Fasting during Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is mandatory for Muslims, playing a key role in the Quran. Alongside religious vows, daily prayer, almsgiving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca, it is one of Islam’s five pillars.
Ramadan’s fasting instructions appear in Surah 2:183-185 and 2:187 of the Quran. It proposes fasting as a penalty for certain sins (4:92; 5:89; 58:4) or a ritual for pilgrims (2:196). The Quran (19:26) mentions Mary taking a vow of silence, also deemed fasting – “And if you see anyone Say, I have vowed a vow of ‘shaum’ to the Merciful One, and I will not speak to anyone today.”
During Ramadan, the angel Gabriel gave the Prophet the first divine revelations forming the Quran. Observers strictly fast all month. Unlike Christian fasting, this involves complete abstinence from food and water during daylight. Food is allowed at night, “when you cannot distinguish the white thread of sunrise from the black, and then fast until night…”. Modern restrictions include chewing gum.
Faithful Muslims must avoid inhaling perfume, bathing, gambling, injecting, taking medicine, brushing their teeth (due to water swallowing risk), and smoking.
During Ramadan, Allah magnifies each good deed 700 times, while Satan is restrained, making it easier for Muslims to perform good deeds. Thus, many remember Allah more, read the Quran, and give alms. Many embark on pilgrimages to Mecca.
Ramadan is a festive time, with feasting beginning at night. Families prepare special dishes, including pilaf. The grand celebration starts at Ramadan’s end – featuring sweets, fun, and songs. Muslims must donate for the poor so everyone can join the festivities.
Ramadan, the Islamic lunar calendar’s 9th month, is vital for 1.3 billion Muslims. During this holy month, believers fast during daylight and eat moderately after sunset. Sunni tradition suggests fasting until sunset, while Shiites wait until all sky redness fades. Exemptions include the sick, children, pregnant women, and soldiers on campaign. Fasting is prohibited on the Feast of Ending the Fast and the subsequent three days.
Muslims may partake in anything not harmful, avoiding intoxicants. Pork is “haram” (forbidden) due to its impurity. Meat must be “halal,” slaughtered to drain all blood.
Most Muslim countries strictly ban alcohol. It’s intoxicating and forbidden in Islam, as sobriety is essential. Caffeinated drinks, like coffee, may be “haram” in some regions.
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