What is Ramadan? Dates for 2016, fasting details and food allowed for Islamic holiday
Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, officially started on June 6. What is Ramadan and how is it observed?
First, the beginning of the holy month changes every year and it can vary from place to place. For some Muslims, the start of Ramadan is determined through the sighting of the crescent moon, while for others, it is determined through astronomical calculations. Every year, the start date moves 11 days earlier than the previous year, according to Al Jazeera.
The holy month is important for Muslims because they believe it marks the time when the prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran.
Fasting is observed during the entire month. The Ramadan fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. It is supposed to help Muslims draw closer to Allah and to help them remember the less fortunate.
During the fast, Muslims eat only two meals. They wake up early to eat the suhoor, which is the last meal they eat before sunrise. They do not eat or drink for the rest of the day until the time of the iftar, or the breaking of the fast, during sunset.
People exempted from fasting include the elderly, the children, pregnant women, the sick, nursing women and women having their period. Muslim travelers are also exempted.
During the day, Muslims read the Quran. In some countries, work hours are shortened to give way for the observance of the holy month. At night, they gather at the mosques for the evening prayer.
What kinds of food are recommended during the Ramadan? People are advised to eat food that is high on carbohydrates, like basmati rice, oats, wheat and lentils, in order to get the much-needed energy for the day. However, fatty and sugary food should be avoided, as noted by The Week.
Lovely Ranganath, nutritionist at Healthtrendz, advises Muslims to stay away from spicy and fried food. Spicy food can cause heartburn while fried food gives only empty calories, she said. Ranganath also recommends good sleep for those who observe Ramadan in order to avoid health problems, Gulf News reported.
Many Muslims break their fast at the end of the day in the same manner that Muhammad did: by taking a sip of water, eating dates and then praying.
Ramadan in 2016 ends on July 5.
