April is National Arab-American Heritage Month, dedicated to honoring the heritage of Arab-Americans and their contributions to American culture. One of the traditions of Arabic-Muslim people is celebrating Ramadan, a month-long prayer and fasting activity on the Islamic calendar. It is estimated that more than 1.9 billion people globally participate during the month of Ramadan and for every 100,000 people in Washington state, there are 284 Muslims.
To gain a better understanding of the Holy Month of Ramadan,
I interviewed my friend Sophie Nakamya and asked her how she observes Ramadan,
what is the meaning of Ramadan, and, also, what are the different traditions
celebrated during the month.
Sophie, a devout Muslim, says, “Ramadan is the best month in the Islamic faith.” It is embedded in the 4th pillar of Islam. "It is the month when Satan is arrested by Allah, and a month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to our beloved prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and when he received his call for prophecy."
Ramadan is marked by fasting and praying. Muslims are
required to fast from sunrise to sunset with no food and water, and they must
also abstain from physical affection, to fulfill the command of Allah.
According to Sophie, this time is dedicated to remembering the Prophet
Mohammed’s gift of prophecy, and in addition to the five times of prayer that
earnest Muslims practice daily, during Ramadan, each day has a prayer theme. In addition, Ramadan is a month of brotherhood,
and Muslims are required to perform acts of charity.
Sophie shares that Ramadan is special to her, as she not
only prays the Taraweeh,
which is prayed to thank God and ask for forgiveness, but in addition to
worshipping her God, there are health benefits related to observing Ramadan.
“As I pray for Allah’s mercy for me and other people in the world,” Sophie says, “I’m usually more alert and my senses are particularly awakened. On top of that, by the end of Ramadan, I lose significant weight, which is good for my overall health.”
I was curious about whether Sophie’s two girls, Bushra, 10,
and Waliyyah, 5, participate in fasting. She assured me there are provisions
for children.
“Islam has categories of people that have been exempted from
fasting: pregnant women, the sick, the old, the young, those traveling, and any
other special needs.”
However, they, too, are encouraged to participate in this
sacred month through prayers and acts of charity.
“As a family, we gather together at Iftar when we are breaking the fast and we share more
about the blessings of Ramadan then and how we can help the less fortunate,”
Sophie adds.
Non-Muslims, Sophie says, can emulate the practices of
Ramadan by setting aside time in their daily lives for religious meditation and
reflection, as well as completing acts of service in benefit to others in their
local communities. I believe it is a great discipline to practice that can help
anyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, alike, look inward and be deliberate in
focused reflection on the meaning of life, as well as express gratitude for the
strength derived from the fast that then feeds the soul.
Incase you are not convinced, my niece , eight year old Khaira Mayanja who is being brought up as Muslim adds,
" I have been taught Ramadan is not only about fasting , but as children we can learn use this time to pray and help around the house and be good children." Her parents assured me that indeed through this season, we can practice love for humanity demonstrating it through giving, forgiving and patience. And to that I say , Amen especially as the world we live in needs more kindness.
