In Anticipation of Ramadan

So, in the Islamic world, Ramadan is both awaited with anticipation and with dread at the same time. People would tell you this honestly if they didn't fear going to hell. Ramadan, or Ramazan as we Turkish folk call it, is the crowning month of the year, much like Christmas of Christians. The problem is that the Islamic calendar is lunar based therefore every year Ramadan arrives ten days early which constitutes a real problem every year. The sighting of the new moon to the naked eye, which always creates problems within the Islamic community of different sects and denominations.

So, what is Ramadan and why do we observe it? There are 11 months in the Islamic calendar, it is the 9th month and the holiest of all months, especially for Sunnis. Ramadan is so important because it's when God spoke to Hz. Mohammed through angel Gabriel, revealing the verses of Qur'an, what Islam was, it's rituals and understandings.

Why is it so significant to the Islamic community across the globe? It's the beginning of Islam and when Prophet Mohammed was revealed to be a prophet. Big news for those who believe in the faith. Fasting during Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of Islam.

How do we observe Ramadan? One has to wake up before sunrise, eat and drink to your heart's content and start your fast. You're supposed to go through your daily life without drinking, eating, smoking and refraining from violence, ill manners, bad behavior and any sexual activities along with drugs and alcohol. Mmm...wine...that's going to be hard. It's to give total commitment and devotion to Allah (God). It's a time for reflection and discipline the soul and morally retract and think about one's actions, one's values and the state of his heart. One's meant to cleanse his or her soul, purifying one's thoughts. It's also customary to reconcile at this time and do good deeds like volunteering, giving money away to the needy and clothes to those who are less fortunate than you are. At sunset, you gather around with your dinner table and wait for the night prayers to be said at which you break your fast with water and dates. Then you are free to eat your stomach's content, however no alcohol at any point.

People await Ramadan with anticipation because it brings families, friends, neighbors and communities together, it forces people to work together, acknowledge others, look at the universe from a bigger picture, realize the problems of others. The chance to be forgiven for your sins, a symbolic at the very least to be given the opportunity to morally and ethically think about your actions, reassess your value system and even for a short time, trying to be a better person. The end is celebrated with El-Fitr for three days with so many home cooking, desserts and home visits that it is always a thrill. However, fasting during the heat of the summer, with no water of any kind or food in your stomach at all is something we all dread.