RAMADAN is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar - but why do Muslim fast during the celebration and can they drink water? Ramadan 2020 starts on 24 April 2020 (today).
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. According to tradition, the Koran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. Muslims also believe the gates to heaven are open and the doors to hell are closed during this month. But where does fasting come into play during Ramadan?
This year's Ramadan will be a bit different, as the coronavirus outbreak means many people will not be able to visit friends and family, or their local mosque.
But there's one thing that will not change during Ramadan, and that's fasting (known as saw in Arabic) which is one of the five key pillars of the Islamic faith.
The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Ramadan fast: Why do people fast during Ramadan? (Image: GETTY)
Why do people fast at Ramadan?
Fasting is seen as a way of purifying ourselves spiritually and physically.
But fasting is also used to remind oneself that there are others who are less fortunate than themselves.
There is also a verse in the Koran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day.
Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits, along with being a chance to get closer to God.
All fit and able adults are expected to fast during Ramadan, but not children, elderly or vulnerable people.
This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, those on their periods, and people travelling.
It is common to have a meal (known as suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as iftar) after sunset.
Families and friends will often get together for iftar to break their fast after sunset each day.
According to MuslimAid: “One of the Five Pillars of Islam, sawm will begin a few hours after the sighting of the moon at sunrise and continue until sunset.
“It is essential to familiarise yourself with the dates and times for Ramadan 2020, as anyone who is still eating their pre-dawn meal (suhoor) following the completion of the call to prayer (Fajr) is disqualified from that day’s fast.
“The day’s fast is completed at sunset and the Maghrib prayers can begin. It is traditional to end your fast by eating dates before the evening meal with family and friends.”
Can you drink water during Ramadan?
Fasting involves abstaining from all food, drink, smoking and having sex from sunrise to sunset.
The fasting rules are strict, so you cannot even drink water during fasting hours.
Anyone who is fasting is recommended to drink as much water as possible in the early morning to ward off thirst during the day.
However, the NHS recommends adults break their fast if they become very dehydrated
How to celebrate Ramadan in lockdown
The Muslim Council through-out the World are advising families and friends to video call each other during iftar this year during lockdown.
Many Muslims also usually go to the mosque to pray during Ramadan, as they try to get closer to go.
However, with lockdown restrictions in place, this is impossible for many Muslims around the world.
Instead, some mosques are holding virtual services online for people to watch together. - express.co.uk
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