Ramadan Mubarak

This week, Muslims across the world have started their Ramadan fasting. It was great to catch up with Zoheb, a resident of the area to ask him a few questions!

Zoheb, what is Ramadan and why do Muslims take part in it?
Ramadan is a period of fasting; it usually lasts around a month. Muslims fast (so no eating or drinking water) to show our devotion and gratitude to Allah (God). Additionally, it is also a time to reflect and appreciate how fortunate we are in life. Ramadan is a chance for us to be purified and refresh our hearts and souls. 

Wow, this sounds so interesting, and a huge commitment! Does Ramadan take place at the same time every year?
Ramadan begins at a different date each year, it goes back roughly 10 days every year. Muslims follow the Islamic calendar which a different calendar than the traditional 12 month, 365 days a year one. We start Ramadan at the start of a lunar month, which is usually decided by the start of a new moon. Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the next new moon is. 

How long must you fast for each day?
From sunrise to sunset, for this Ramadan, fasting will start from around 4-5am and will finish from 6-7pm. It can be very hard when Ramadan takes place in summer months as it is lighter for longer, however when fasting takes place in winter months we get to eat earlier as the days are shorter. 

When you can eat each day, how do you celebrate?
We peform Wudu which is a ritual way to wash before praying, then we pray and then we break the fast by eating and drinking! We call the breaking of the fast ‘Iftar’. I’ll meet up with my family and we will all eat together. During the night I’ll usually get up to have a little snack and my last glass of water, as by the time I wake up again, it’s back to fasting. Being with my family to eat and catch up is my favourite part of Ramadan.  

I am in awe, I would find it so difficult to take part in Ramadan, do you have a celebration when Ramadan ends?
The first couple of days is the hardest but then it gets easier. However, not everyone has to fast, if you are unwell, have medical conditions or pregnant you are advised not to fast. I think I started fasting during secondary school sometime around 12/13 years old.
The first day of non-fasting after Ramadan is called Eid. We celebrate with prayers at home or at the Mosque, (I go to the Mosque in Aylesbury). I then eat with my family for most of the day! A part of the celebration is giving small treats to my family (mainly my younger nieces and nephews) We also give money to charity as well.