Do’s And Don’ts Of Ramadan
Do’s And Don’ts Of Ramadan: A Complete Etiquette Guide
The holy month of Ramadan, which is also the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is of great importance to the Muslim community. During this period, Muslims observe fast from dawn to dusk, in addition to abiding by the preset dos and don’ts of Ramadan. As per the Islamic tradition, it is during this time when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam, this month is known to detoxify the soul and bring one closer to Allah. Lasting for 29-30 days, Ramadan is regarded as the time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, universal brotherhood, worship and self-control. Muslims consume one meal before dusk, which is known as Sahur, and one meal post sunset, known as Iftar. Many devotees also perform Umrah during Ramadan.
In addition to abstaining from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, there is a lot more to do and abstain from during the holy month of Ramadan.
Do’s
* Wish your Muslim friends ‘Ramadan Kareem’ or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, as the phrase means ‘Wish you a generous Ramadan’.
* If you wish to get into the charitable spirit, donate at Ramadan camps.
* Listen to music quietly on headphones or in your house without disturbing others.
* Show respect towards those who are fasting by abstaining from eating in front of them.
* If you have Muslim friends, be careful with the language you use on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
* If you are invited to an Iftar meal or called over friends to break the fast, be courteous enough to accept the invitation. You can also offer dates to your hosts, as they are usually the first food to break the fast.
Don’ts
* Don’t drink, chew gum, eat, smoke or listen to music loudly in public during Ramadan.
* Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes, wear respectful clothing during this period.
* Don’t get into fights, abuse or swearing as Ramadan preaches peace and love.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drinks, but also maintaining discipline, peace and unity. It is a time when your heart and soul should be at one with the Almighty. Follow these dos and don’ts of Ramadan diligently. Try to maintain unity and brotherhood in the community, in addition to aiming for self-restraint and discipline.