Dr. Salih Yiicel

Ramadan and its social dinien:sl0n, for 29 or 30 days, depending on'the lllliar calen-' ,supererogatory prayer known asterawih, spe- .share ift~r I11~~(with non-Muslims as a way todar. Those who fast have a light meal before the cial Ramadan prayers after the fast-breaking. build bridges while contributing to the social co-break of dawn, known as suhoor, and at sunset, Taking part in Ramadan and, experiencing it hesion in this mi11ticulturalsociety.

H~ndreds of millions of Muslims around they have iftar, the fast-breaking meal. Certain together creates a social space that is shared by 'Atound the world, more than 1billionthe world started fasting during the day- categories of people are legitimately excused many Muslims across the globe. This creates a Muslims will celebrate the end of Ramadan, Eid

light hours on Monday. This creates a time of from the fast, such as young children;:'ptegnant unique sense of solidarity amongMuslimsal-Fitr, the first major holy day of the Islamic cal-great solidarity and spiptual renewal throughout women, ,breastfeeding mothers, those ..vyh9e.e_ ..!1r.<:J.I:!J1.dthe ,~C?.!~.By sharing meals with friends 'endar year. This' annual expression of joy andthe Muslim world. Fasting during the month of health would be harmed by not eating and and relatives and neighbors' ana-6y giving-t1i:anl<sgivmifi~rart-occaslbn of hope for a newRamadan is one of the principles of Islam. It is travelers. Fasting also includes refraining from sadaqa (charity) and zakat (mandatory alms) to life and abundant blessings. Customs vary frompracticed by the majority of Muslims. Every year, gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits asso- ' the poor and needy during Rarriadan, Muslims city to city and country to country, but the daythe month of Ramadan rotates 10 days back be- ,ciated with bad character. .It calls for dqing take part in healing social wounds, knittii:1gclos- universally begins with Eid prayers, which startcause it is base~ on the lunar calendar., 'good deeds, generosity and kindness, self-re- er ties with others,redistributing "",ealth and before sunrj.se at mosques. Eid al-Pitr is a com-

Fasting has been an integral part of all major flection, praying and God-consciousness. connecting with those who are'in need. This as- munalexpression and affirmation of sharedreligions. Moses (peace be upon him) fasted for Fasting calls humankind toreali~e the blessi pect of Ramadan contributes to creating a just' values and commitment. During Eid, families40 days and nights before he was given the Law' ings and bounties given by God, show grati- and compassionate society based on sharing and and relatives visit each other, exchange gifts,(Deuteronomy 9:18). In the Judaic tradition, fast- tude and live in appreciation of these gifts .. giving rather than focusing on consumeri~m.buy gifts for the children especially and pre-ing is a form of seeking forgiveness and repent- ,These can lead to living with a greate(,$piritual 'Therefore Ramadan is a month of generosity, pare special foods and desserts:Ing (Isiah 58:1-13). Similarly, Jesus (peace be up- intensity and developing a stronger inner life. sharing and forgiVing.For this reason, free din- , Through fasting duririg Ramadan, MuslimEon him) fasted for 40 days before he was called Besides being a major practice in Islam in, ners are provided, somemnes on a daily basis, to'· , qevelop a balance in both the physical and spiri-to prophethood (Mattnew 4:2). In the Quran, terms of fasting Ramadan,-the,monthis signifk.thelocal community by Mus,Um c'<:>Fg;:egat!lJ.ns_:.:..~al ~~!:.s~~!:~oftheirexistence. However al:fasting is required as follows: "0 you who be~ canHor Muslims in, other ways as well. D~ng throughout the world. Just ash?w many, these, benefits, wnethefphysical, psychologicallievel Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was this month, God revealed the first verses of the Christian organizations help those inneed par-' social' or spiritual, come as a blessing frorrprescribed for those before you, so perchance Quran to Prophet MuhamnVl9 (peace be upon , ticularly duringChristmas, Muslims also in - God and are nO,tthe aim of hundreds of mil·you may attain God-consciousness." (2:183) him). In addition to fasting, Mllslims are encour- : crease their' charity alongside their worship. lions of Muslims. In the theory, Myslims ob·

During Ramadan all physically mature ana ..aged to read the ~ntireQuran, which is around In Turkey. like in other Muslim countries, serve'R~madan only to please God. "healthy Muslims are requir~d fo abstain from all 600 pages divided into 30 parts roughly equal ,Muslims break the fast with their families, rela- '" "'",., ' , ' "food, drink, gum chewing, tobacco use and any in length, with one part read 'each day.tives and friends. NGOs and ~therinstitutions'Dr, Salih, Yiicel is a le~t!lrer atthe r:entre for Studies i1kind of sexual contact between dawn arid stmset Muslims also go tq the mosque to observe the . provide free iftardinners for those in need arid, Religion a1!d Theology, JyIonash University, Australia.

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