Ammar Al Asmi: Sacred time, celebration of Ramadan

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As the blessed month approaches, the Muslim community eagerly looks forward to the upcoming month of Ramadan, scheduled to commence on March 10 this year. Beyond its religious significance, Ramadan is a cherished time of reflection, spiritual growth, and collective joy. In this article, I aim to shed light on the essence of Ramadan, its various activities, and the unique anticipation that accompanies its arrival, providing a glimpse into this sacred month for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Ramadan holds a central place in the Islamic calendar. It is, in the literal sense, one of the 12 months of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its significance lies in commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. It is a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer, introspection, and heightened acts of kindness and generosity. Muslims view Ramadan as a sacred time to strengthen their connection with God, engage in self-reflection, and foster a sense of community. We think of it as a month dedicated to purifying our souls and tackling our self-discipline.

At the core of Ramadan activities is fasting, where Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. This act of self-discipline extends beyond the physical realm, encouraging individuals to practice patience, empathy, and gratitude. The pre-dawn meal, or “suhoor,” and the evening meal that breaks the fast, called “iftar,” are moments of mutual joy, with families and friends coming together to share in the blessings of the month. Prayer, another integral aspect of Ramadan, takes on added importance. Muslims engage in additional nightly prayers, known as Tarawih, seeking spiritual connection and reflection. Reading and reciting the Quran is also emphasized during this time, with many aiming to complete the entire scripture over the course of the month.

Acts of charity and community service are heightened during Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to contribute to those in need through initiatives like food drives, donations, and volunteer work. This emphasis on giving back strengthens the sense of community and empathy, promoting a collective spirit of kindness and compassion.

The anticipation of Ramadan is a beautiful time for the Muslim community. It is a period marked by excitement, as individuals prepare both spiritually and physically for the month ahead. Cleaning and decorating homes, purchasing special foods, and organizing community events all contribute to the sense of anticipation and festive atmosphere.

As a Muslim myself and a new Canadian, I am particularly eager to share this excitement with the broader Canadian community. Ramadan becomes an opportunity to encourage understanding and bridge cultural gaps and provides an excellent window to gain insights into the customs, traditions, and values that define this sacred month.

This year brings a distinctive aspect to Ramadan with its arrival in winter. Since the timing of Ramadan does not follow the solar calendar, it shifts back a little bit every year and so it has fallen in the summer months for the past few decades. The shift to winter presents a unique set of circumstances, including shorter days and longer nights.

The change in season alters the rhythm of daily activities during Ramadan. Suhoor, iftar, and nightly prayers are now conducted in the backdrop of longer nights, bringing a different ambiance to the spiritual practices. The winter atmosphere, characterized by crisp air and chilly nights, adds a distinct charm to the month’s observances.

Moreover, the shorter fasting hours in winter can be seen as a refreshing adjustment. This shift also prompts a re-evaluation of routines and traditions, inviting Muslims to adapt their practices to the changing seasons.

Ramadan spans 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon, marking its conclusion with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. This festive day is a time of group prayers, meals, and the giving of gifts. It symbolizes the culmination of a month-long journey of self-discipline, spiritual renewal, and acts of kindness. Beyond the festivities, Ramadan leaves a lasting impact on individuals, nurturing a sense of gratitude, empathy, and community that extends well beyond the month itself.

In essence, Ramadan is like a special journey that brings people together in a spiritual and fun way. It’s like a big celebration that goes beyond borders, welcoming everyone to join in the feelings of togetherness, kindness, and shared happiness. As we get ready for the upcoming blessed month, let’s appreciate the beauty of Ramadan—a picture that shows how diverse, strong, and full of lasting values the global Muslim community is.

When the fast starts, you can greet your Muslim friends by saying ‘Ramadan Mubarak’!

Ammar Al Asmi lives in Moncton and is the former director of a weekly newspaper in Daraa, Syria. He can be contacted via email at ammar.1966@hotmail.com