Break

Todays topic is the special holy month for Muslims called Ramadan. Muslims all over the world fast for 30 days.

So what is fasting?

When a person fasts in Ramadan they don’t eat any food or drink (including water) from sunrise to sunset. Muslims fast for a number of reasons and some of these include: to become closer to God, reflect on their actions and to remember less fortunate people who don’t have food/water. Ramadan is a month of self improvement and discipline. Fasting also has a number of health benefits as it detoxes the body from harmful toxins. It gives your digestive system a break from eating too much food. Only people who are physically fit and capable are allowed to fast. For example children, people that need medicine daily and pregnant women do not have to fast. If a person is sick they do not have to fast.

A picture of Central Mosque in Glasgow. The biggest mosque.

Charity and helping others is a big part of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to donate money to people who are less fortunate and do not have enough food and water. Muslims are also encouraged to help people around them such as their family, friends, neighbours and people in the community.

What is Eid?

Eid is the celebration after the 30 days of fasting. There is an Eid prayer in the morning at the mosque and a special breakfast is eaten. On Eid people dress up in new clothes and we also celebrate by eating good food and enjoying food after fasting for 30 days. Presents and money are given to children and adults. It is a fun and exciting day spent with family and friends. In Glasgow we usually have some Eid events during the week such as markets, games and outdoor activities for families.

A different Ramadan

This year Ramadan has been very different for me and many people worldwide because of the Coronavirus. There are many things Muslims have not been able to do such as going to the mosque for Taraweeh (night prayers), having Iftar parties (Iftar is when we open the fast to eat!) and spending Ramadan with family and friends. As a result we will not be able to spend Eid together which is sad but for the best as staying home and being safe is very important during this time. I think I will be having a virtual Eid party with all of my family on Zoom! Eid 2020 will be on Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th May this year.

Eid Mubarak/Happy Eid to you all when it comes!

Questions

1. Have you ever tried fasting? Do you think it would be difficult to fast?
2. What other religious holidays or practices can you think of from Christianity, Islam, Judaism or any other religion?
3. Write down the meanings of the words in bold.
4. Summarize some of the main points of fasting.