Spirituality/General: Feature Article: Ramadan - Fasting and Feasting by Gervais Whale

Ramadan is the month of fasting, and that includes going without water. In hot desert countries like Qatar this can be tough. However, Ramadan is not all about self denial, as this article shows.

The sun beats down and sweat pours down faces as temperatures in this tiny peninsula country rise above 40 degrees celsius. Yet in the hot desert country of Qatar, over the next month and during daylight hours, the majority of residents will not touch a drop of water for the next four weeks.

This is the month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and self denial. Muslims do not fast for thirty days without stop, of course, but from dawn to dusk.

The day starts with Suhur, the pre-fast meal. This must be taken before dawn. After the sun has risen Muslims are not allowed to touch water, eat food, smoke or have sex until dusk.

How strictly these rules are followed depends on the school on which a Muslim belongs to. Some Muslims will avoid brushing their teeth during daylight hours, while other see this as acceptable.

In Bali, during Ramadan, I have observed young Muslim surfers check the surf in the early morning. When the surf was poor, they will fast, and will not enter the water that day, even when the waves picked up. However, when the surf was good, they would often choose not to fast.

Surfing certainly is not one of the situations in which Muslims may choose not to fast. Travellers, the old, infirm, mentally ill, very young and pregnant are among those who may choose not to fast.

They should, however, make up their fast at a later date. If they are unable to do so, they may pay a poor person to perform the fast for them.

During Ramadan Muslims are supposed to strive harder to follow the teaching’s of their prophet, Mohammed, and to try and avoid every day sins such as jealousy and lying.

All this virtue does not mean that there is no fun to be had. The prohibitions last until dusk. After this, Muslims pray and then break the fast (Iftar). Traditionally the fast is broken with dates and water, but this is followed by much feasting. Many Muslims actually put on weight during this time.

One of the aims of the fast is to foster sympathy with the poor and the hungry. In addition, Ramadan tents are set up for the poor so they can share in the breaking of the fast.

The end of this fast is marked by Eid Ul-Fitri. Literally, it means the breaking of the fast. This is a day when Muslims visit their friends and family, and feast to celebrate the end of a month of fasting.

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