What Ramadan means to Muslims?
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Sheikh Saleh Habimana leads prayers during a past Eid celebration in Kigali. File.

This year’s Ramadan started on May 15 and all Muslims worldwide are having a special moment fasting and making their ways righteous in Allah’s presence.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

During this period, Muslims fast everyday from dawn to sunset. This is a time they pray to Allan, repent their sins and strengthen their relationship with Him as well.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims forgive those that wronged them, do charity work for example giving to the needy and the poor food, money, clothing and any other support but also spare time to read their Quran.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the pillars or duties of Islam, along with the testimony of faith, prayer, charity, giving and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The sick, pregnant, those nursing, menstruating, young and the elderly are excused from fasting.

Fasting reminds Muslims of their social and spiritual purposes but most importantly appreciating Allah for his supreme nature and the gift of life and knowing that they entirely depend on him.

However, as you fast, do not smoke, eat food or take water or any drink, avoid engaging in sexual activity. Mind about your thoughts as well, do not anger or annoy anyone or allow to be angered, avoid greed, jealousy, gossip, theft, because they will break your fast.

Muslims are not supposed to avoid work or school or any normal activities, everything continues normally.

However, as you fast, do not let your lips dry or your face pal, be happy, do not make it seem like a punishment and be thankful to God for that moment.

For those that are not Muslims, you can support a Muslim friend with food that they can eat while breaking their fast, God will bless you.

Avoid temptations, ask God to guide you through out the whole fasting.

Happy Ramadan