12 FACTS ABOUT RAMADAN, EXPECTED TO START MARCH 22

COLUMNIST ZAIHAN RASHID WITH ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS RAMADAN?

It is the annual month of fasting for adult (Muslim definition of adult is the age of puberty) Muslims. The time frame changes yearly as the lunar calendar is 10 days shorter than the solar calendar. During a fast, Muslims can't have anything to eat or drink, not even water, and avoid sexual intimacy with their legal spouse when the sun is up.

2. DO SICK PEOPLE OR CHILDREN HAVE TO FAST?

Only adult Muslims of good health may fast. Children and older people are not required to fast. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers have the option not to fast. Menstruating women, people with chronic health problems and people who come down with a serious, acute illness during the month do not fast.

3. WHAT IS FASTING ALL ABOUT, THEN?

Fasting is all about training yourself to be more disciplined. Muslims must also avoid cursing, gossiping, smoking, fighting, arguing or even just acting cranky. Ramadan is not about being hungry/ thirsty/tired. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to examine who they are on a base level and improve themselves. Spiritual growth is the main idea.

4. IS THERE ANY OTHER IMPORTANCE OF RAMADAN?

It is the month whereby the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (blessings of God be upon him and grant him peace) in 610 CE. As one of the five Pillars of Islam, fasting is one of the ways to strengthen connection with Allah and live a life of righteousness. It also develops empathy toward the needy and poor.

5. WHAT IS ITS DURATION?

A fast lasts from dawn till dusk, over 29 or 30 days, depending on sightings of the moon.

6. IS IT THE SAME ALL OVER THE WORLD?

Different parts of the world experience different intervals of sunrise and sunset. Times of fasting differ globally.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to examine who they are on a base level and improve themselves.

7. HOW DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON PREPARE FOR FASTING?

Muslims generally wake up early in the morning for a pre-dawn meal. This light meal before daybreak, albeit not mandatory, helps in sustaining one's energy throughout the day.

8. CAN RAMADAN BE SHARED WITH OTHERS? HOW?

Yes, it is an opportunity for (more!) sharing. Not just delicacies during the meal at sunset, iftar, but also sharing knowledge in the effort to strengthen interfaith dialogue. Asking questions to better understand your Muslim counterparts is always welcome.

9. HOW IS SPIRITUALITY INCREASED IN RAMADAN?

In Islam, the pathway to God is always open to any individual. Allah is also known as Al-ghafoor or The Great Forgiver. Fasting is also about increasing spirituality in practice that translates into increased frequency in seeking God's forgiveness. This is in addition to learning to forgive others while seeking others' forgiveness.

10. HOW DOES GRATITUDE INCREASE?

"A" for appreciation.

Hunger and thirst cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for one's blessed life. The elementary needs associated with food and water put one on the same shared level with others in spite of wealth or status differences.

11. WHAT IS RAMADAN'S CONNECTION WITH THE QURAN?

The 29 or 30 days of Ramadan dovetail with 30 sections of the holy book. Muslims would take the opportunity to khatam, i.e. a complete reading of the Quran. It is an act of getting closer to God.

12. HOW CAN NON-MUSLIMS INTERACT WITH THEIR MUSLIM FRIENDS WITHOUT OFFENDING?

Do not be afraid to wish your Muslim friends the following: Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, which roughly translates into "Have a blessed Ramadan."

Employers can consider requests for time adjustments of work etc., if possible.

At the end of Ramadan is the holiday of Eid Ul fitr, a day of fun and family starting with a prayer in the local mosque early in the day.