The Meaning ofThe Meaning of

RAMADAN RAMADAN

Dr. Teresa Lesher, AWARE Center

IslamIslam

• Compatible with Judeo-Christian monotheism

• Acknowledges revealed books– Old Testament– New Testament– Last Testament

• Reveres prophets and messengers throughout time

Divinely revealed faithsDivinely revealed faiths

kindness

modesty

compassion

justice

honesty

generosity

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam_________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Fast

ing in

R

am

adan

Declaration of FaithDeclaration of Faith

“I bear witness that:

there is no God but the one true God

and Mohammed is His messenger.”

The Muslim’s pledge to submit to Godand follow His guidance.

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

ecl

ara

tion o

f

Fait

h

Five Daily PrayersFive Daily Prayers

Before sunriseAt noon

AfternoonAfter sunsetAfter dark

Making the connection with God and keeping it strong.

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

ecl

ara

tion o

f

Fait

h

Five

Daily

Pra

yers

Alms Tax on Savings Alms Tax on Savings

2.5%On savings that have

accumulated for one year

To be distributed to the poor

Social security for the disadvantaged and weak.Promotes good will and brotherhood.

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

ecl

ara

tion o

f

Fait

h

Five

Daily

Pra

yers

Alm

s Tax o

n

Savin

gs

Pilgrimage to MeccaPilgrimage to Mecca

• Once in a lifetime• Financial and physical ability

• To answer God’s call to the first house of worship on earth

Remembering our brotherhood, equality and the Judgment Day

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

ecl

ara

tion o

f

Fait

h

Five

Daily

Pra

yers

Alm

s Tax o

n

Savin

gs

Pilg

rim

ag

e t

o

Mecc

a

RamadanRamadan

The ninth lunar month

29 or 30 days

Lunar year: 11 days shorter than solar year

Full cycle through all seasons in 30 years

First Quranic revelation

Acts of Worship in IslamActs of Worship in Islam ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D

ecl

ara

tion o

f

Fait

h

Five

Daily

Pra

yers

Fast

ing in

R

am

adan

Alm

s Tax o

n

Savin

gs

Pilg

rim

ag

e t

o

Mecc

a

Fasting (siyaam)Fasting (siyaam)

“To refrain from”

FoodDrink

Conjugal relationsSmoking

All bad speech and actions

An Ancient PracticeAn Ancient Practice

• Egyptians, Greeks, Romans• Old and New Testaments

As expiation for sins, purification of soul, rescue from calamity

“Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may learn piety.” (Quran 2:183)

Main Benefits of FastingMain Benefits of Fasting

• Self-discipline and patience• God consciousness and sincerity• Compassion• Gratitude• Brotherhood• Motivation • Flexibility

Additional Benefits of Additional Benefits of FastingFasting

• Lowers fats and cholesterol• Lowers blood pressure• Regulates sugar in the blood• Breaks bad dietary habits• Gives digestive system a rest • Weight control• Increased productivity

The Muslim’s FastThe Muslim’s Fast

An act of worshipAn act of obedienceAn act of gratitude

Who is Exempt from Who is Exempt from Fasting?Fasting?

• Pre-adolescent children• Pregnant and menstruating women• Temporarily or chronically ill• Travelers

”God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer

hardship…” (Quran 2:185)

Ramadan CustomsRamadan Customs

• Extra prayers• Reading the Quran• Strengthening family ties• Reviving old friendships• Charity and generosity• Forgiveness• Pilgrimage

Eid al-FitrEid al-Fitr

“Celebration of the Feast”

Citing the moonCongregational prayer after sunrise

Exchanging visitsGiving gifts

Sharing meals

After RamadanAfter Ramadan

•Hope and anticipation•New habits, a new focus•Community spirit•Appreciation and gratitude

“God wills… that you complete the number of days and that you extol Him for His having guided you aright and that you render your thanks unto Him.” (2:185)

“…and it is better for you to fast, ifyou only knew.”

(Quran, 2:184)

RAMADANRAMADAN

A month that, by depriving the body,

enriches the soul.