Reflecting on Ramadhan 2022

As we mark the beginning of Ramadhan, Shakir Ahmed Pandor shares the following reflections. Shakir is an Imam/Resident Scholar at the Islamic Centre of Oshawa and a registered community partner who works closely with the Spiritual Care team to help meet the needs of Muslim patients.

Ramadhan Mubarak! A blessed Ramadhan! This is how Muslims greet one another during Ramadhan. As I get ready for Ramadhan, the Islamic fasting month, it is exciting to share this message with my fellow brothers and sisters in humanity. My family and I, like all Muslims, find a unique excitement in Ramadhan.

Fasting for Muslims means avoiding food, drink, and sensual pleasures during the daylight hours, for the entire lunar month of 29 or 30 days. While a 15-hour fast might be long enough, the day is increased by a special 20 unit nightly “Taraweeh” prayer at the Masjid (mosque). The joy, peace, and tranquility experienced in performing these worships is escalated by doing it collectively. As an Imam, I lead the extra prayer, reciting the entire Qur’an from memory. Thus, my preparations as a Hafidh (one who has memorized the Qur’an) differ slightly from others. Culturally, most Muslim families enjoy various delicacies, some only prepared during Ramadhan, as a family at Suhoor/Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftaar (post sunset) meals.

Fasting in Islam is about mindfulness of God, appreciation, and empathy. Unlike the saying “a hungry man is an angry man,” to truly fast as one should, Islam requires Muslims to be cheerful, give freely in charity, and assist the poor and needy – all with a smile from the heart. Muslims are required to treat a fasting day just like every other day, except with more discipline and good character.

Ramadhan always seems to whiz by, and the festival of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadhan, always comes too soon. Eid al-Fitr, a day of eating, drinking, and time with the family, begins with a special morning prayer at the Masjid, and is marked with new clothes and Eid gifts. As with Ramadhan, the Eid greeting is Eid Mubarak, or a blessed Eid!