Siyam

[ابوالوليد المسلم]

Siyam

Mostafa Malaekah


The month of Ramadhan (which can be either 29 or 30 days) is part of the Islamic lunar year, which is eleven days shorter than the solar year, so Ramadhan rotates throughout the seasons, a blessing which insures that Muslims in neither the northern nor southern hemispheres will permanently be required to fast for longer or shorter hours or in hotter or colder weather.

From dawn to sunset during each day of Ramadhan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activities in obedience to Allah's command; and during the fast one should not exhibit anger or any other misbehaviour. Those who are ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant or nursing mothers (if there is a risk to their health or their babies') are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later. If they are physically unable to make up the fast, they must feed a needy person for every day missed if financially able.

As they conquer the influence of daily habits and endure hunger and thirst, fasting trains Muslims in practicing obedience to Allah, patience in times of hardship and compassion and responsibility toward the poor. As a form of worship, fasting becomes a very enriching experience as one transcends the needs of his material component and cherishes the spiritual, enabling the conscientious Muslim to deepen his/her relationship with Allah.

The month is a period of spiritual renewal and revitalisation, similar to charging one's batteries for the rest of the year. Intensified worship, charity, and study of the Qur'an are features of this month.