Aug 28 / Ramadan in America: A Letter for Students and Host Families

Photo: YES student at the 2007 White House Iftar with Sec. of State Rice



YES students and alumni: Have something to share about experiencing Ramadan in the US or other thoughts on your exchange year? Share them here!

RAMADAN IN AMERICA
Information for Students and Host Families

by Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat,
Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation

(a .pdf version can be downloaded at the YES Wiki)

I hope this letter is helpful as a general introduction to the month of Ramadan and the related issues concerning fasting.

Introduction to Ramadan

The obligatory fasting for Muslims takes place during the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the lunar calendar. It is the most important month of the year and Muslims await its arrival with eagerness. While fasting is a primary and vital part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for spiritual renewal and strengthening the relation with Almighty God and the society at large.

Muslims may increase their efforts of seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection. They renew their commitment and re-establish their relationship with the Creator. Goodness and righteousness flourish throughout communities. The physical and spiritual benefits of self-purification and self-restraint increase. By restraining oneself from indulging in worldly comforts, even for a short time, Muslims focus on their purpose in life and remember the countless bounties and generosity of Almighty God.

When is Ramadan
Based on “astronomical calculation”, in 2008 Ramadan will begin on September 1st and will end on September 30th. October 1st is Eid ul-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast). (See Eid ul-Fitr below for more information)

Who Should Fast and When
All able Muslims should fast from dawn to sunset – abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations with their spouses.

Who is Exempt from the Fast
You fall into this category if you are pre-adolescent, ill, pregnant and/or nursing, traveling, on your menstrual cycle, taking medication or under a doctor’s care and may be harmed by fasting.

Can Non-Muslims Fast
Now, while non-Muslims are not required to fast during the month of Ramadan, some really do respect the concept and may fast as a show of support for friends or relatives. Others may volunteer to simply refrain from eating in public.

Meals and Nutrition
Those who are fasting, are strongly encouraged to eat the following two meals each day to prevent unnecessary hardship or possible harm to their health. During these meals, it is important to drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Eating nutritional foods high in protein are crucial. Don’t forget to set your alarm clock for Suhur!

1. Suhur (Pre-dawn breakfast)
Having foods ready or requiring minimal efforts to prepare will enable the person fasting to eat comfortably before dawn, in case he or she wakes up late. Some foods can be prepared the night before for convenience and to minimize disturbing the host family in the morning. Here are some ideas:
a. fruit juices
b. fresh fruit/dates
c. boiled eggs
d. turkey, chicken or beef
e. frozen waffles / french toast
f. hash brown patties
g. oatmeal / nutritional cereals
h. sandwiches (see what your student likes)
i. bagels and cream cheese
j. yogurt (with or without granola)

2. Iftar (Post-sunset dinner)
The fast is traditionally broken at the time of sunset with water and dates. Other common items used are fruit juice, dried or fresh fruits and soups. If dinner is not ready at the time of breaking the fast, substantial snacks are appreciated.

Sports during Ramadan
Some students may consider reducing the amount of physical activity during Ramadan, while others may not. This is a decision that should be left to the student. They need to be careful not expose themselves to possible dehydration or other dangers to their health due to strenuous exercise during Ramadan. If host families have any concerns, they are welcome to contact the staff of CECF.

Taking Medicine
If someone takes medication, they should consult with a physician to find out if it is possible to take it before dawn and after sunset. It is possible to seek guidance from a physician, who is aware of Ramadan its requirements. Unless someone’s health will be harmed by the fast, the norm is to take medicine before dawn and after sunset.

Hospitalization/Medical Emergencies
In case of a medical emergency or any accident, which involves medicine being given by injection, ingestion or intravenously, the fasting person has to break the fast and accept the treatment. The Shari’ah (Islamic Law) emphasizes that the body’s health is more important than the fast.

Days Not Fasted
Since Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, it is important to fast the entire month. If a day(s) is missed for any reason, it needs to be made up by fasting a day(s) during another month of the year, but before the beginning of the next Ramadan. The individual is allowed to select the day(s) to make up the fast.

Sharing Recipes and Traditional Practices
In most countries there are special dishes served during Ramadan. This is a wonderful opportunity for both the student and host family to learn more about each other. Students can share traditional practices and recipes from home. When the host family’s holiday season arrives, they can then share traditional practices and family recipes of dishes that are served with their student.

Host Family Observations
Don’t worry, your student may tire a little more easily and perhaps take a short nap upon return from school or go to bed earlier than normal. In addition to fasting, they may spend more time in their rooms reading Qur’an and increasing the amount of time they spend in prayer. The emphasis on these acts of worship in Ramadan, help purify their motives and re-establish their relationship with Allah. Since this is the month for rebuilding their spiritual strength and consciousness, how much they benefit from it is up to them!

Eid ul-Fitr (The Feast of Breaking the Fast)
Based on the “astronomical calculation”, this year Eid ul-Fitr will take place on October 1st, 2008. As Muslims celebrate this tremendously spiritually fulfilling holiday around the world, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and joy for completing the commandments of God during this intensive month of worship. These moments of happiness normally begin with the news of the “sighting of the moon” during the last night of Ramadan, which announces the beginning of the new month of Shawwal. The Eid starts with performing an act of charity on behalf of each member of the household, which is normally fulfilled by the father, called “Zakat ul-Fitr.” The “Eid prayer,” a congregational prayer for the entire community, is held in the mosque or another designated location large enough to accommodate the entire community.

Following the prayer in the morning, people visit one another, as well as exchange gifts. Each country has a special type of food and sweets that are served during the Eid. The joy is similar to Christmas in America. It is a 3-day celebration and includes new clothes for everyone, gifts for the children from the parents, relatives and close friends, as well as plays, games, puppet shows and trips to amusement parks. There are also community members, who visit hospitals and other centers to distribute gift bags and Qur’ans to those who are ill or unable to celebrate with the community.

Students will appreciate knowing the time and location of the Eid prayers, if you have a mosque near you, and perhaps doing something special to celebrate with them.

To Locate Prayer & Fasting Times, Mosques and Islamic Centers, go to Islamic Finder:
Enter your “city” or “zip code”
Enter USA in the “For Other Countries field”

Significance of Ramadan
A great scholar said: “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan. It offers every believer an opportunity to strengthen their faith (Iman), purify their heart and soul, and remove the effects of sins committed.”

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad about Ramadan
“Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from the Creator), will have his/her previous sins forgiven. “
“Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward (from the Creator), will have his/her previous sins forgiven.”
“The rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.”

The “Night of Power / Honor”
The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most important days of the month during which exists a night equal to a thousand months in its glory and value. On this night, the Qur’an was revealed from heaven to earth by Allah through Arch Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an dedicated Chapter 97 to this night, “The Night of Power / Honor. The students might dedicate special time for worship during that night or in expectation of it, which ends at dawn the next day.

Walking in the Shoes of the Poor and Needy
It is important to remember that while you are fasting during Ramadan, you are experiencing first hand what people, who have little or no food or who are poor, go through. You have time to reflect and give thanks for everything you have. For example, each day you are hungry until the evening, but you know that when sunset comes, you are going to be able to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst. Therefore, you can only begin to imagine what those, who are hungry on a daily basis and don’t know where or when their next meal will come from, are experiencing. Many people increase their donations and efforts to help others during this month through cash donations, food and clothing drives, invitations to share their meals and a host of other ways.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact CECF at 410-944-6077 or cecf1@aol.com.

Wishing you a joyous and successful Ramadan,
Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat