Ramadan, more than just fasting
With the final days on the horizon of the religious observance Ramadan, the Muslims’ holy month of self reflection, four Pakistani students, Abdul Rauf, Mudassir Iqbal, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Akram Raza shared their personal thoughts with the UT-Nieuws on how they practice their religion in the Netherlands. Most Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. How do you maintain your energy level? AR: ‘Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. Understanding the philosophy behind fasting and having faith in Allah (God) provides you with enough energy to spend the whole day in happiness.’ MI: ‘It’s not from “sunrise to sunset” but from “dawn to sunset.” If you eat in the morning and evening then the nutrients required by your body will give you energy for the whole day.’ Is the Muslim community on campus planning for a ‘sugar party’ when the fast is broken? AR: ‘First of all, this practice is neither in Dutch a ‘suikerfeest’ nor in English a “sugar party,’’ but truly known as “Eid-ul-Fitar,” which is for all Muslims, at the end of Ramadan, when we arrange a get together. Hopefully we will, InshAllah (god willing).’ MAR: ‘I don’t know about the whole Muslim community on campus, but I am sure members of the Pakistani Student Association (PSA) are arranging an “EiD Milan” party which means “a gathering to celebrate a happy day” because “Eid” means “Happy.” I think ‘sugar party’ is a common word, but “Eid” is a specific term for this religious event as is “Ramadan”.’ Can you describe a typical day during Ramadan? RA: ‘The day starts with a pre-dawn meal followed by five prayers spread over the course of a day and then at sunset fasting ends with a meal. Afterwards I spend some time reading the Holy Qur’an as much as possible.’ MAR: ‘I have to wake up during the last part of night and after two or three days, it becomes a routine. Since there isn’t stress to have lunch, I can work more in the lab; it makes me adhere to a more regular schedule to complete my daily duties.’ The Prophet Muhammad says: ‘Fast so as to be healthy.’ What changes do you experience in your body? AR: ‘Yes, I fast as Allah commanded us. I believe it gives many benefits, including learning how to control hunger, thirst and other desires. It trains you how to become a good Muslim, both ethically and morally. Fasting also purifies both my body and soul, so I feel healthy and thankful to Allah for this blessing.’ MI: ‘Personally I have a stomach problem. If I am fasting then my stomach actually feels a bit better.’ MA: ‘I think many of the health-related problems arise due to irregular eating patterns. I notice loosing inches and feeling healthy.’ Are there differences in observing Ramadan here or at home? MI: ‘Actually in my home country, I feel a bit better because the delicious cooked food is served to me by my mother, and here I have to cook by myself.’ Can you explain the basic principles of Ramadan? AR: ‘Fasting is an obligation for Muslims who have reached the age of puberty, but some exceptions are allowed. For example, women who are pregnant and anyone who is traveling or ill can postpone fasting. It is not simply abstaining from food and drink, but refraining from indecent speech or acts like lying and any lustful thoughts.’ MI: No eating or drinking from dawn to sunset and also no sexual relations with your life partner. If you are not able to participate in fasting then you need to feed a poor person two times a day, if you can afford to.’ Do you read the Qur’an from beginning to end, according to tradition? MI: ‘Unfortunately I am not doing this; also it’s not necessary but a good deed.’ MA:’I do my best to keep to this tradition.’ MAR: ‘This is just a tradition and a noble deed but not an obligation, so if you have enough time you should do it, but if you are also busy with your studies then you can read as much as time allows. I used to do this in my homeland, but here I am busy with my lab work. I try to read or listen to parts of the Qur’an every day.’ Any personal reflections on Ramadan? MA: ‘Ramadan is more than fasting for the whole day. It is about the control of desires. It is a beautiful combination of simultaneously purifying body and soul. It is about putting yourself in the shoes of the “weak and deprived people in society”.’ MAR: ‘I want to say one thing; Ramadan or fasting is a religious prayer, so when some Muslims fast, they are only abiding to the wishes and will of Allah and nothing else.’
