Hungry For A Change
On Tuesday May 15th Muslims across the world will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam “which happens in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, which annually is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Since Ramadan is the ninth month of the year (the month when Muhammad received the Quran from Allah), the start date changes by 11 days every year. Participants go without food and water from sunup to sundown. Fasting is seen as a way to purify oneself spiritually as well as physically — a time to detach from material pleasures and be closer to God. The purpose is not suffering but a deepening of devotion to God and a reminder that there are always those less fortunate than oneself. ”[1](Richardson, 2018)
In majority Muslim countries, this month is a very special time of the year similar to the Christmas month in majority Christian countries. “It’s not uncommon to find Christians in places like Syria and Egypt fasting with the Muslim majority. (And no, it’s not because they’ve been threatened with murder if they don’t.) We spend 11 months of the year focusing on what feeds our body.”[2](Suleiman, 2018) Many Muslims living in the United States will be taking part in this fast as not only a way to observe their religion but also as a way to grow closer to their community. “80% of American Muslims observe the holy month by fasting. In that 80%, there is little distinction between Muslims who were born overseas or in the United States, black or white, men or women.”[3](Suleiman, 2018)
This year for the first time American retailer Party City will be selling decorations for the celebration which culminates at the end of Ramadan known as Eid-Al-Fatr. “Party City, which has about 850 locations, mostly in the United States, was motivated to create the items because customers kept requesting them, Ryan Vero, the company’s president of retail, said this week.”[4](Salam, 2018)
Taking the time out of your schedule to fast and separate oneself from one of the better known trappings of American life, food, can seem like a daunting task. Many though believe “[i]t’s worth taking the opportunity this month to ask how we can feed our souls by building that connection with God, and being mindful and grateful for the blessings we consume every day.”[5](Suleiman, 2018) By giving up food during daylight hours, one has the opportunity to reflect on the function and purpose of food not only on the society they live in but also in their own lives.
[1] Richardson, Holly (May 9th, 2018) The blessings of Ramadan https://bit.ly/2jS9oGl
[2] Suleiman, Omar (May 10th, 2018) Why 80% of American Muslims fast during Ramadan. (It’s not about the food.) https://cnn.it/2IjczRS
[3] Suleiman, Omar (May 10th, 2018) Why 80% of American Muslims fast during Ramadan. (It’s not about the food.) https://cnn.it/2IjczRS
[4] Salam, Maya (April 20th, 2018) Party City Offers Ramadan Decorations, a First for a Big U.S. Retailer https://nyti.ms/2K1e1K1
[5] Suleiman, Omar (May 10th, 2018) Why 80% of American Muslims fast during Ramadan. (It’s not about the food.) https://cnn.it/2IjczRS
