Iftar Tables

RAMADAN 101

Ramadan Mubarak

Over the next few weeks, you may wake up to see your neighbours switch their lights on way before the crack of dawn, or you might come into work to find your co-worker taking a power nap at 9:30am or and later decline your lunch invites.

Then you remember what she mentioned last week over lunch – and flooded with relief, you go up to her desk, and proclaim with much gusto, “Ramadan Mubarak (Moo-baa-rak)!” 

Ramadan’s Blessings to you!

Month of the Qur’an

To Muslims around the world, the month of Ramadan is a sought-after period. It is the month that the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and thereby to mankind. Muslims are called by Islam to celebrate the month by coming together in worship, charity and fasting from dawn until dusk

What is the point of fasting?

Healthy and able Muslims observe the fast to build self-discipline, patience, to cultivate a greater consciousness of God. Abstaining from food and drink is also a humbling reminder of those who live in hunger and poverty, teaching muslims to empathic towards others and grateful for their blessings.  Ramadan is a source of purification for the mind, body and soul.

During this month, you could show your awareness of this precious time by following a few simple guidelines:

GUIDELINES

The Greeting

The next time you bump into your Muslim neighbour, meet your college in photocopier line or see your friend, feel free to wish him/her a “Ramadan Mubarak” or simply “Happy Ramadan.” We feel super special it when people acknowledge Ramadan and are happy about it – just like you would, at a wish of “happy birthday!”

Positive Reinforcement

Do keep in mind that we’re fasting voluntarily and, actually, pretty joyously (despite the tired, sad look on our face – it’s just because we miss daytime eating). Muslims await Ramadan and so please don’t feel like you need to take pity on us. We will be rescued by nothing other than by that ticking clock, taking us closer to sunset! And then we’ll be our happy, full-bellied selves again

Lunch Time

Most of us understand that life goes on, and so do lunch meetings and break-times. So if we are participating in them while fasting, don’t worry about eating in front of us. This is just part of the test. We really do appreciate your acknowledging our fast, but you shouldn’t feel the need to discuss it every time you show up in our line of sight holding food. Maybe just try not to eat food with particularly mouthwatering scents around us. . . and ignore our stomach when it growls at your sandwich. It happens.
Just let it slide.

No Water

It’s true, from dawn to dusk each day, we can’t drink water either. Again, this is part of the Ramadan test and our exercise of spiritual discipline. This is probably why you may not find your friend at the water cooler or at track training during the day. We do get thristy yes, but we probably won’t die, unless from some other cause. Fingers crossed

Halitosis

While God may tell us that the breath of the one fasting is like “fragrant musk” to Him, we know that you might not experience the same. That’s why we’re standing a good foot away from you when speaking or covering our mouths, or simply using sign language to communicate

Iftar – Dinner

Iftar is the Arabic word for the meal served at sunset when we break the fast. Iftar is a time when families, friends and communities come together. Although there is no specific type of food designated for iftars, it is tradition to break the fast with a sweet and refreshing date before moving to a heartier dinner

Fasting is not an excuse

Although energy levels might be low, the point of fasting is not to slack off from other duties and responsibilities. In Islam, the belief is that we are rewarded for continuing to work and be productive during our fasts. Fasting is not a reason to push meetings, clear schedules, or take a lighter load on projects.

Having said that – we don’t mind if you excuse a little nap time!

The long and short of it

Ramadan is a time for community and charity. Many mosques and community spaces host Iftars every night (you are welcome to join the fun – even if you’re not fasting). During the month, worshippers partake in special night time prayer vigils. We are encouraged to give charity in abundance and make an extra effort to partake in acts of service. Throughout it all, we maintain an ambiance of joy and gratitude for all that God has blessed us with, and reflect on those in this world who have been given much less. This is a time for us to renew our spiritual intentions, increase our knowledge, and change ourselves for the better