Fasting is a fundamental part of every world religion and is often accompanied by characteristic ceremonies and practices. The temporary abstinence from certain foods and drinks is supposed to purify the body and soul, as well as bring about a state of inner peace. Days set aside for fasting also provide an opportunity for prayer and meditation.
Cultures and religions have a great influence on what people in different parts of the world consume. “Religion leaves its mark on a person’s daily routine, and with it on the food he eats. Mohammed fasted before the contents of the Quran were revealed to him. Moses fasted before he heard the word of God. Fasting in Islam is one of the main requirements. It is expressed in complete abstinence from food, water, all kinds of drinks, smoking, bathing, inhaling incense, entertainment, etc. during the daylight hours. After the onset of darkness, the prohibitions do not apply. Those who cannot observe them for any reason (war, captivity, illness), who cannot be held accountable for their actions (the mentally ill), as well as the elderly, children, pregnant women and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Exemption from fasting for individual categories entails the obligation for each day during which they did not fast – to donate an amount equal to the value of a normal food day for one person, which amount will was used to feed the needy, and those who are unable to afford it should pay for at least one needy person’s lunch.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is obligatory for all Muslims. The ritual plays a central role in the Quran and, along with the vow of religion, daily prayer, giving alms and the pilgrimage to Mecca, is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
A prescription for fasting in the Quran during the month of Ramadan is found in the following verses from Surah 2:183-185 and 2:187. The Quran recommends fasting as an alternative punishment for certain sins (4:92; 5:89; 58:4) or as a ritual for pilgrims (2:196). According to the Quran (19:26), the Virgin Mary (Mary) took a vow of silence, which is also considered fasting – “And if you see anyone Say, I have vowed a vow of “shaum” to the Merciful One, and I will not speak to anyone today.”
In this month, the angel Gabriel conveyed to the prophet the first of the divine revelations that form the basis of the Quran. A strict fast is observed throughout the month. Unlike the Christian fast, it does not consist in abstaining from certain types of food, but in the complete refusal of food and water during the daylight hours. Any food is permitted, but only at night, “when you cannot distinguish the white thread of sunrise from the black, and then fast until night…”. Over time, modern prohibitions were added – for example, chewing gum.
A faithful Muslim is forbidden to inhale perfume, bathe, gamble, inject, take medicine, brush his teeth (due to the risk of swallowing water) and smoke
It is believed that in Ramadan, Allah increases the importance of each of them 700 times, and the devil (Satan) is chained in this month. And it is much easier for Muslims to do good deeds than in other months of the year. Therefore, they try to remember Allah more often, read the Quran and give alms. It is in Ramadan that many believers go on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The period is considered a holiday, and therefore throughout the month, with the onset of darkness, a real feast begins. In every home, the most delicious dishes are prepared, and necessarily pilaf. But by far the most grandiose celebration begins with the end of Ramadan – with sweets, fun and songs. It is the duty of every Muslim to make a donation in favor of the poor beforehand, so that they can also participate in the festivities.
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar – Ramadan – is very important for 1.3 billion Muslims around the world. During the holy month, believers fast during the daylight hours, and after sunset, eating in moderation is allowed. Sunni tradition recommends fasting until sunset, while Shiites believe that one should wait until all redness in the sky disappears before eating. The list of prohibitions does not apply to the sick, children, pregnant women, as well as to soldiers during a campaign. Fasting is prohibited on the Feast of Ending the Fast at the end of Ramadan or on the day of breaking the fast and the three days after it.
In principle, Muslims are allowed everything that does not harm the body, while prohibiting what intoxicates. Muslims strictly observe the “haram” (prohibition) of consuming pork, as they consider it impure. You may be asked if the meat is “halal”. For the meat to be “halal” the animal must be slaughtered in a special way so that it is completely free of blood.
In most Muslim countries there is also a strict prohibition on alcohol. Alcohol is intoxicating, and anything that intoxicates is forbidden in Islam, because a person should be sober throughout his life.” Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, may also be considered “haram” (forbidden) in some countries.
