✪RAMADAN SPECIAL✪
Ramadan the Month
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the visual sighting of the new crescent moon. Ramadan (like all the other Islamic months) adheres to the lunar calendar (which follows the phases of the moon), and since this is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar (which follows the sun), it comes eleven days earlier every year. This means that Ramadan will occur in various seasons and weather throughout the years.
“This is a month of giving. Of healing and caring. It is a time for people to remember those who are less fortunate and an opportunity to reinforce the spiritual reasons behind fighting hunger and poverty,”
The Month of Sawm
The Fast
Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting, and is the fourth pillar in Islam, which is incumbent on all Muslim males and females who have reached the age of puberty, and who are mentally and physically fit. A person who fasts must refrain from dawn until dusk from: eating, drinking, smoking, sexual relations, foul language, & bad conduct. However, there are many people who are exempted from observing fasting. People such as: the elderly, the sick, those who are on a journey, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, & women who are menstruating.
Everyone in Ramadan is asked to do as many good deeds as they possibly can over the course of the holiday. Fasting is an act of worship, so those who miss their fasts, are required to make up the equal amount of missed days later in the year. Those who are unable to fast at all, must feed a needy person for each missed Ramadan fast.
Suhoor
In Ramadan, Muslims awaken before dawn, when the for an early meal called suhoor. Suhoor helps our physical health by providing the essential nutrition and strength to sustain our body during the long hours of the day.
Iftaar
At dusk, Muslims break their fast with a meal known as Iftar. It is considered to be a time for families to gather together and share a supper.
EID UL-FITR
Eid ul-Fitr is determined by the visible sighting of the new crescent moon of Shawwal, therefor Eid occurs on the first day of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the lunar calendar. Eid ul-Fitr lasts for three days. It is a day of thanksgiving and jubilation as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan. Greet one another with the words ‘Eid Mubarak’ (Blessed Eid)” or ‘Eid Sa‘eed’ (Happy Eid)
Ramadan IN KUWAIT
Every nation and community develops a set of traditions and customs over the ages that come to symbolize the culture of the land. Kuwait too has its own unique Ramadan traditions that have been observed by generations of locals and residents of this country, and are a source of comfort and belonging. According to the Kuwait Times News, In Kuwait, the firing of the cannon attracts dozens of families and children daily, and is broadcast live on Kuwait TV and radio. The open yard in the palace where the ceremony takes place is set up to resemble pre-oil Kuwait, complete with vintage cars, artisans and children in traditional garb. The firing is conducted by three uniformed guards in red livery. A few of Kuwait's other rich Ramadan traditions have also stood the passage of time, continuously evolving to reflect changing social, economic and familial developments. Ramadan in Kuwait has its own set of distinctive customs and rituals kept alive by the people. The Kuwaiti people evoke the past with all its beautiful details, from the traditional costumes and dishes, to the special Ramadan celebrations held nowadays. Several Kuwaiti families continue with the custom of organizing these celebrations during this month, because of their delightful effect on the young and the adults alike. In spite of the progress of life and civilization, these Ramadan-related customs maintain their inherent traditional color. However, some people are of the view that these traditions have become very different from the past, as they have become more commercially oriented and little more than a means of distracting children and housewives and distancing them from the beloved traditions of the past. Interesting thing about the Kuwait tradition is that, in Kuwait children usually dress in traditional clothes and go around the neighborhood in groups holding small bags and singing special songs. Gergean is held on the 13th, 14th or the 15th of Ramadan when the moon is full. Gergean is somewhat like another version of Halloween, but without the scary part. Children go from one house to another and knock on neighbors, doors asking for candy and nuts, said citizen Mariam Jaffar in an interview to Arab News. (© Business Recorder, 2016)
Ramadan & Eid Vocabulary
- Ramadan Mubaruk: Ramadan blessings
- Sawm: is the Arabic word for fasting
- Iftaar: Muslims break their fast with a meal known as Iftar
- Suhoor: an early meal called suhoor
- Eidiyyah: Relatives will give children Eidiyyah, which is a small sum of money that children will use to spend on activities throughout Eid
- Eid Mubarak: Blessed Eid