Author: Mouhsine Adnani
At MenLiving, we value curiosity and a desire to better understand the perspectives and cultures of other human beings. We are currently in the middle of Ramadan, and in the spirit of better understanding, MenLiving member Mouhsine Adnani explains the season of Ramadan.
Ramadan, the 9th month in the lunar calendar in Islam, is a significant time for Muslims around the world. According to our tradition, the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed PBUH during this blessed month.
Here are some common questions I get every year about it:
1/Do you fast for 30 days?
- Yes, every day from Dawn till Sunset. You pretty much have the whole night to eat if you want.
2/What about water? Not even water?
- Yes, not even water. No drinking, no eating, so smoking and no sex.
3/Do kids have to fast also?
- Kids do not fast. But around the age of 8, they are encouraged to fast for a few hours during the day for a few days and are usually rewarded for making that effort.
- The elderly, the sick, pregnant women, if you are traveling, if you have a medical condition, if you are breastfeeding or in your periods then you don’t fast.
4/I don’t know how you do it, I would die if I did!
- Nope, you’ll be fine. You will be surprised at how amazing the human body is at adapting and adjusting. I find myself a lot more focused when fasting and less distracted.
5/Why do you fast?
- The main reason is that Allah (God) says to do so in the Quran.
- Secondary benefits are physical, spiritual, and psychological. You can google the benefits of fasting from a scientific perspective. Tons of research on this.
6/Sounds like a great diet to lose weight!
- Please don’t say that. Fasting during Ramadan is not some kind of diet. Its main goal is to get closer to Allah through Charity, Salah (5 daily prayers), and reading/contemplating the Quran.
7/What is Iftar?
- Iftar translates to Breakfast, which is the meal we have at sunset.
- The other word you might hear is Suhoor which is the meal we have before dawn
8/What is a proper greeting to say to someone observing Ramadan
- “Ramadan Mubarak” means Have a blessed Ramadan
- “Ramadan Kareem” means Have a generous Ramadan
9/What is Eid:
- Eid is the day that comes right after Ramadan is over. It’s a day of celebration, prayer, visiting family, and eating! Eid Mubarak!
The main challenge for me and probably lots of other Muslims observing the month of Ramadan is that nothing around me changes, but my whole routine completely transforms overnight and yet I must keep up with all my regular day-to-day obligations, and that takes some getting used to.
Amongst a lot of other things, Ramadan is a humbling reminder that having food on your table is a blessing that many people don’t have. Every year I get to feel that hunger and thirst and it gives me a lot of appreciation for food. For 30 days, it puts me directly in the shoes of people who cannot afford to have one of their basic human needs met.
If you are curious, I recommend fasting for 1 or 2 consecutive days during Ramadan and you will gain a lot of understanding, appreciation, and compassion for what it takes to go through a day with no food and water.
Peace be with you and Ramadan Kareem!
Mouhsine
About Mouhsine
My name is Mouhsine (pronounced Mooseen) Adnani, I’m originally from Morocco in North West Africa. At a DMV once in Austin TX, I was called Moonshine 🙂
I came to the US when I was 18 to study, and I’ve built a life for myself over here now.
I’ve worked in the video game industry as a 3D Artist for the last 12 years and I’m now working for a Chicago based company called Level Ex where we make games for doctors.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my 2 amazing kids Omar and Ayah.
On a lazy day, you’ll find me at a coffee shop sipping a Cappuccino, at a bookstore reading a book or magazines or working out in my makeshift gym at home. I also have a hankering for photography, and I’ll often grab my camera when I need a break.
