You must have come across a post wishing Muslims a ‘Happy Ramadhan’, but do you know what Ramadan is all about and why they celebrate it?

Mtaa Wangu sought to understand what Ramadan is all about and why it is an important event in the Muslims Calendar.

We visited Jamia Mosque along Mosque Road, to chat with the chairperson, Ibrahim Ali and this is what he said.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims and we believe that God started revealing the Quran to Prophet Mohammad during Ramadan.

Therefore, we fast from food and drinks and more importantly refrain from any sinful act.

It is simply a month of prayer, observing the Quran teachings, and doing charitable deeds to attain God’s forgiveness.

How long does it run?

The holy month of Ramadan runs for 30 days and this year we are observing it from 22 March to 22 or 23 April. We are required to fast from dusk to dawn for 30 days without fail. However, there is an exception for children, the sick, those in transit, pregnant women as well as ladies on their menses.

If one skips some days during the fasting period, they are required to compensate for that in the following month at a personal level.

If they cannot entirely fast for some reason, maybe sickness, then you are required to care and provide for the needy during the whole Ramadan period.

Who can celebrate the holy month?

Ramadan is celebrated by all Muslims be it children or adults. As it is, we are not only refraining from eating and drinking, but also from doing sinful acts, like gossiping about others, picking fights with people, backbiting, and so on.

Activities that run during this season?

Other than fasting, this month also has special prayers. Normally we would do five prayers in a day but in this holy month, we do six prayers with the last prayer being done after 8 pm.

At dawn, we break our fast around 6. 45 pm with date fruits, and fluids like water before having a meal together with family and friends.

What can Christians do to support Muslims during Ramadan?

On this month we are supposed to give abundantly. Most Christians have been known to give donations during Ramadan. This is appreciated as the food is distributed among the less fortunate within the congregation. Any spiritual help and financial help is always appreciated.

Why is the month of Ramadan important?

The month of Ramadan is a month of abundance for Muslims who fast. It is a month of blessing and forgiveness. Once we are done fasting, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, with our loved ones.

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Explainer: What is Ramadan and how can Christians support Muslims during this holy month?

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