What is Ramadan? The Islamic Holy Month - Behind the News

Summary

In this video, 14-year-old Ali explains the significance of Ramadan in Islam, a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ali and other Muslims abstain from food and drink to empathize with the less fortunate and strengthen their faith. Despite challenges like playing sports without water, they cherish the spiritual growth and look forward to Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.

Takeaways

• 🌙 Ali and his family fast during Ramadan, meaning they don't eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.
• 🕌 Ramadan is an important religious event for Muslims, marked by fasting to focus on their faith.
• 📖 Muslims use the time during Ramadan to read from their religious book, the Quran.
• ⏳ Ramadan starts on a different date each year because it follows the lunar calendar.
• 🍽️ While fasting, Muslims have meals before dawn and after sunset to sustain themselves.
• 💪 Ali finds fasting difficult, especially during physical activities like football and at school.
• 👧 Karima and Saleh also talk about the challenges of fasting while others around them are eating.
• 👶 Children typically begin fasting after reaching puberty, though some may practice it earlier.
• 🎉 The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a festival called Eid, where families gather for food and fun.
• 🌍 Around 1.6 billion Muslims globally observe Ramadan, though some people are exempt due to age or health conditions.

Q & A

What is the significance of fasting during Ramadan for Muslims?

Fasting during Ramadan is a way for Muslims to feel the struggles of the less fortunate who may not have access to food and water. It is also a test of faith and a time for spiritual reflection and growth.

Why do Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan?

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan to emulate the Prophet Muhammad's practice and to focus on their faith without the distractions of eating and drinking.

How does fasting during Ramadan help Muslims to learn more about their religion?

Fasting helps Muslims to focus on their religious studies, such as reading the Quran, by providing a period of self-discipline and reflection.

What is the Islamic calendar, and how does it differ from the Gregorian calendar?

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar which is a solar calendar. This is why Ramadan starts on different dates each year.

What is the Quran, and why is it important during Ramadan?

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is important during Ramadan because Muslims spend more time reading and reflecting on its teachings.

What special meals do Muslims have before and after their fast during Ramadan?

Muslims have large meals before dawn, known as Suhoor, and after sunset, known as Iftar, to provide energy for the day and to break the fast.

How do children like Ali and his cousins experience fasting during Ramadan?

Children like Ali and his cousins find fasting challenging, especially during activities like sports and school, where they cannot drink water or eat during the day.

Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan, and why?

People who are pregnant, elderly, or sick are often exempt from fasting during Ramadan because it could be harmful to their health.

What is the celebration at the end of Ramadan called, and what happens during it?

The celebration at the end of Ramadan is called Eid. It involves going to the mosque for prayers, meeting with family, and enjoying a lot of food and festivities.

How does the experience of fasting change as a Muslim gets older, according to Ali?

Ali mentions that fasting was really hard when he first started at the age of 10, but as he got older, he got more used to it, making it a bit easier.

What is the global population of Muslims, and how does this reflect in the observance of Ramadan?

There are over 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, which is nearly one quarter of the world's population. While not all Muslims fast, the observance of Ramadan is widespread and a significant part of their religious practice.