Ramadhan: the Month of Fasting

Ramadhan starts on August 21st or 22nd – what does that mean for your student?

Of the Muslim year, Ramadhan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar is the holy month of Fasting. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed for guidance to mankind. A religious committee in each Muslim community/country watches for the moon, and at first sight of the crescent, announces the beginning of the fast of Ramadhan.

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting. But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; And perchance ye shall be grateful.

Sura 2: Ayat 185

The month of Ramadhan is not only a month of “moral abstinence”, it also has the social virtue of creating new bonds of understanding between all classes of people. The fast, practiced by the rich and poor alike, reminds the more fortunate members of society of the pangs of hunger which the poor suffer. Hence, Ramadhan is a month of charity.

Fasting is also one of the 5 pillars of faith in Islam. During Ramadhan, it is the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (sunnah) that we read 1/30 of the Qur’an everyday. In each of the Sections of Qur’an, we will absolutely find guidance for all of humanity to pass the test of life successfully for the next and eternal life. Fasting and reading each day during Ramadhan go hand-in-hand, so you should notice an increase in your student’s reading that should magnify a sense of peace and tranquility.

Islam regards fasting as a means of achieving spiritual, moral, and physical discipline of the highest order and seeking to please God through righteous living is required. It is a guide for all of mankind to pass the test of life successfully for the next and eternal life. And fasting, being an outward manifestation of an inner-yearning to be closer to God, is considered especially meritorious in the Muslim faith.

During this month, we encourage our students who are of age (puberty) to fast. For all students who may not be fasting, during Ramadan, we are certainly expecting them to not only be respectful of the fast of other students and Staff members, but to also put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry/sarcastic retorts, and gossip. They should be deliberate and purposeful in trying to get along with each other better than normal, and all obscene and irreligious sights and sounds should be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is very important because Fasting is an act of deeply personal worship in which we should seek a raised level of closeness to God.

So, with all that said, let’s begin to prepare our minds, hearts, and actions for the fast and the holy month of Ramadhan. More information regarding Ramadhan activities will be forthcoming as school starts. May Allah bless us all to have the best Ramadhan ever!