The observation of Ramadan is one of the most significant events in my life. Those who are not of Muslim faith may not understand my association with this cultural event. If they have any idea of the tradition at all, it tends to be only the idea that it is a ritual of fasting, and probably similar to the Christian practice of fasting during Lent. The denial of foods and drinks in the observation of the tradition plays a big role in enhancing my religious expression and belief. Consequently, the spiritual representation of the abstinence of drinks and food is essential in affirming my faith as a Muslim. It is one of the Five Pillars of the faith, as important as the acknowledgment of God and the practice of prayer daily. In a very real sense, the fasting is a full expression of my faith as a Muslims, as it is also my way of affirming my faith within the community and connecting to God. Ramadan then exists as a physical devotion translating the truth of the spiritual devotion, and the fasting is both a cleansing and a prayer in itself.
The advent of Ramadan is very crucial towards influencing my belief in the cultural event. Ramadan dates back to the life of the prophet Mohammed, who first received his revelations from God during the ninth month of the lunar cycle. The revelations, recorded as the Quran, are the foundation of Islam and Ramadan is then the most sacred month in the year. It is the month in which Muslims are expected, by God and their community, to devote themselves more actively to the precepts of the faith, and make greater efforts to attain spiritual growth. In practical terms, the fasting is observed every day, and from dawn until sunset, of the month. No food or drink is to be taken during these hours, but the fasting goes beyond these physical matters. A meal, the suhoor, is usually taken before dawn, and the iftar is the breaking of the fast after sunset. In the tradition of Mohammed, most Muslims first eat dates to break the daily fast. Prayers follow each meal, to reinforce the meaning of the self-denial to come during the day.
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Consequently, the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan is elemental to my divine life. In Ramadan, I get the opportunity to turn away from all worldly actions or practices which foul the mind, body, and spirit. During this time, I make great efforts to refrain from any behavior unworthy to the faith, such as swearing, engaging in disputes, and thinking hostile thoughts. These are elements that are impure and dangerous for the soul, and Ramadan exists to enable me acquire a pure state of being. Food and drink are then only items to be avoided during a period of a greater cleansing, as the fasting in general then frees me to deeply consider God and how to conform to God’s expectations of behavior and caring for others. To deny the self, it is believed, is to enable a greater openness to God and better live as He directs, and the month of Ramadan is completely dedicated to these spiritual and personal goals.
One of the features about Ramadan that inspires me most is that it required my attention when am full with proper cognitive and physical capability. Given the physical demands of the fasting, Ramadan is not required until we reach adolescence. Any individual with illnesses or other physical conditions is not obligated to observe the rituals. Therefore, participation in the faith requires free will and it addresses the physical concerns of humanity. Ramadan is a cornerstone of my faith, and it is my duty to embrace its importance. To defy or ignore any precept of Ramadan is to turn my back to the will of God and the teachings of Mohammed.
The observation assists me to share a lot with God. Precisely, it allows me to reflect God’s will and be as God wants me to be. The event assists set aside the typical concerns of the material world and give my faith as a living force. Consequently, for me, the month of Ramadan is a kind of sustained prayer in itself, and nothing within me is more vital for my connection to God.
