Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the most blessed of all months. Muslims from all over the world are obligated to fast from the beginning of dawn until sunrise for the entire month. Although fasting is an integral part of Ramadan, Muslims are also supposed to increase their piety, prayer, remembrance of Allah(*SWT), kindness, charity, and other good deeds during the month as well. A lot of people observe their Muslim friends, peers, and acquaintances during the month of Ramadan and notice distinct changes in their attitude, behavior, and daily practices. We are going to be sharing with you 9 facts about Ramadan you might or might not have known about the month.
1. The Month of Ramadan Keeps Moving Every Year
People have observed that the month of Ramadan does not begin and end on the same date every year. The reason behind this is that the Islamic calendar is lunar and it follows the phases of the moon. The month begins and ends with the moon completing a monthly cycle, so the sighting of the moon is what dictates the beginning and end of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan ends with the auspicious celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
2. Ramadan is the Most Blessed Month of the Islamic Calendar
There are four sacred months in the Islamic calendar ( Dhu al-Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab) If you have noticed Ramadan is not there, however, it is considered the most important and blessed month of all. One of the reasons is that the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (**P.B.U.H) as a guidance for all mankind. The rewards and blessings of Ramadan are multiple. For instance, it is believed that any Muslim who fasts the month of Ramadan sincerely and follows it up with fasting six days in the following month of Shawwal will be rewarded for fasting the entire year. There are many more such blessings that this month has to offer, which is why Muslims are encouraged to be patient and kind with each other, increase their remembrance and supplication of Allah(*SWT), give abundantly in charity, and increase their recitation of the Holy Quran during this month.
3. Fasting is Not Just About Giving Up Food
Abstinence from food and water is not the only criteria for a Muslim’s fast to be valid. During the length of the fast, Muslims should refrain from cursing, lying, getting angry, getting into quarrels, and having sexual relations, as some of these actions can invalidate a person’s fast. Fasting is a means through which Muslims become more righteous as mentioned in the second chapter, line 183 of the Holy Quran (Surah Al – Baqarah)
“ O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”
Praying while fasting is essential, also giving in charity and doing good deeds. Contrary to popular belief, if a person eats or drinks by accident or unknowingly, their fast remains valid (***IA)
4. Muslims are encouraged to eat Suhoor
Suhoor is the meal that is eaten right before Muslims begin their fast for the day. From a spiritual standpoint, it was pointed out by the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) that Muslims should have their Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) for surely there is a blessing in it.
From a medical standpoint, eating Suhoor supplies the necessary energy and nutrients required to go through the daily fast. Depending on where they are, Muslims are obligated to fast anywhere between 14 to 22 hours. This makes the Suhoor meal very important.
One should be however careful about what they are eating for Suhoor Having a balance of protein, minerals, and vitamins are essential along with the right amount of water. If you are looking to make your Suhoor meals special, you can order Truboy BBQ’s authentic Halal BBQ anytime and anywhere. We offer free shipping nationwide on orders above $200.
5. Eating Dates for Suhoor and Iftar
As mentioned earlier ‘Suhoor’ is the meal that is eaten right before a person commences their fast and ‘Iftar’ is the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. Generally, there is an assortment of dishes during these two times, especially during the breaking of the fast. It is highly recommended for an individual to break their fast with dates and water. Sticking to the way of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), who used to break his fast with dates and water, Muslims all over the world have made it a mandatory item of food to break their fast with. Owing to this custom, different kinds of dates from all over the world are found in abundance in the markets during Ramadan.
6. Hastening the Iftar Meal
Muslims are instructed to break their fast as soon as they hear the call for prayer (Adhan), for their evening prayer (Maghrib). It is in fact, recommended that Muslims should hasten to break their fast instead of delaying it. It is mentioned that people shall remain on the right path as long as they hasten to break their fast.
7. Things that Don’t Break Your Fast
No Muslim wants to miss out on the blessings of fasting. To ensure their fast remains intact, some Muslims make things doubly difficult for themselves. This should not be the case, here are a few things that people think break their fast but don’t
- Brushing your teeth (As long as you don’t swallow the toothpaste)
- Swallowing saliva.
- Using an inhaler
- Accidentally eating or drinking something
- Taking an Insulin Injection or Anaesthesia Injection ( nutritional injections do break you’re fast)
- Vomiting unintentionally
- Taking a bath or a shower
8. No Restrictions on Food After Breaking the Fast
After Muslims break their fast, they can eat anything halal (permissible) for them. There are no restrictions or special meals that Muslims have. A lot of people think it is mandatory to eat meat or have fried things at Iftar. These are cultural traditions rather than religious. It is recommended to plan out your Iftar meals as overeating might cause your insulin levels to shoot up, giving you a nasty headache.
Choosing to break your fast our Truboy halal turkey breast gives you the ideal dose of protein that you need. We recommended clubbing it with essential minerals and vitamins in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits.
9. Eid-ul -Fitr Marks the end of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan ends with the auspicious festival of Eid – ul – Fitr. The date of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon after completing its monthly cycle. Muslims are specifically not allowed to fast on the day of Eid. It is a day of celebration which commences with the congregational Eid prayer. People wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’, exchange gifts, wear new clothes and celebrate with friends and family.
Conclusion
We at Truboy BBQ are looking toward making your Iftar and Suhoor meals even better with our authentic Halal Texas-style BBQ. With the intention and motive to share a taste of our Authentic BBQ nationwide, we ensure free shipping on all orders over $200. So what are you waiting for? Choose to break your fast with our delicious halal sausages or our juicy and tender halal lamb shoulder. Check out our delicious halal options on our website. We pray to Allah (*SWT) that everyone has a peaceful and successful Ramadan.
(*SWT) – Arabic for Subhanahu wata ala – English for ‘The most glorified, the most exalted’.
(**P.B.U.H) – Peace and Blessings be upon him.
(***IA) – Arabic for InshaAllah – English for ‘If God wills it or ‘ God willing’.
Our Recent Blog: 5 Things To Avoid During Ramadan
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