Muslims worldwide will be celebrating the ninth month in the Islamic calendar better known as Ramadan from March 22 to April 20.
On March 22 an Active Minds meeting took place with a focus on Ramadan. It was stated in a powerpoint slide shared during the meeting that, “the members of the faith believe that during Ramadan the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed.” During this time they observe a strict daily fast for a month until sunset. They’re not allowed to eat or drink, this includes water, during these times.
However, some are exempt from this practice which include pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, women on their menstrual cycle, elderly, travelers, those who may be physically or mentally incapable of fasting and children (who are encouraged after they hit puberty to try to fast when they can).
Delta College student Deeba Saeed and presenter in the meeting, said that while she was growing up and in school, explaining to the other kids why she was celebrating Ramadan was hard.
“100 percent yes! Most kids were understanding, but since we were so young at the time a lot of them would peer pressure other Muslims to drink water because ‘no one can see me’ but in reality God could,” she said “It would get annoying having to repeatedly say not even water but over time I feel like the generations knew more about Islam and why we do things the way we do.”
The meeting also taught the attendees that Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. It’s a time for the Muslim community to focus on peace, tranquility, curing, goodness, forgiving, mercy, attain paradise, to give back and increase in charity and center the Quran.
“The vibes. Once Ramadan starts the environment is much more peaceful,” said Delta College student and presenter Maahirah Khan of her favorite part of Ramadan “As it is a time to reduce earthly distractions, so you can clearly focus on your relationship with God. When I am closest to my religion, that is when I feel the happiest.”
Ramadan is also the month that Muslims increase worship and spiritual development. Daily prayers are performed five times within the day and a special prayer called Taraweeh Prayer is only offered during this month.
The Taraweeh Prayer involves reading long portions of the Quran, as well as performing many units of prayers or Rakahs (cycles of movement involved in Islamic prayer). It is only prayed at night and approximately takes an hour or more to complete.
For the younger generations in the Muslim community, finding a safe place to perform prayers throughout the day is difficult.
“It’s not necessarily hard to find places to pray, but most of the time they aren’t comfortable,” said Saeed about growing up to now at Delta “For example when we are out shopping, we either have to pray in a super tight corner, or in a fitting room which aren’t the best places. Although, if there is a Muslim owner of a shop they will most likely have a prayer room or spots for people to pray which is nice.”
In March, the Collegian reported on a student who is working to start a Muslim Student Association and identify a safe prayer space on campus.
After Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday begins.
Eid stands for “feast” or “festival” in Arabic. The first day of Eid most of the Muslim community will attend mosques and offer Eid prayer. Afterwards they gather with family and friends and celebrate with huge feasts, gifts, games, new clothes and more.
“It’s time to connect or reconnect with God,” said Khan as an explanation for people who do not observe Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr “One who is observing any of the activities should show respect as you would to any other religions.”