Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Pp-semi-indef Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox month Template:IslamicMonths sidebar RamadanTemplate:EfnTemplate:Efn-num is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam<ref name="BBC 2012">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.<ref name="Bukhari">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Muslim">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory (fard) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, pregnant, or menstruating.<ref>Fasting (Al Siyam) – {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} – p. 18, el Bahay el Kholi, 1998</ref> The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar.<ref>Islam, Andrew Egan – 2002 – p. 24</ref><ref>Dubai – p. 189, Andrea Schulte-Peevers – 2010</ref> Although rulings (fatawa) have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.<ref name="Ramadan2014"/><ref name="ottawacitizen"/><ref name="ArcticRamadan"/>
The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Accordingly, during the hours of fasting, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also from all behavior deemed to be sinful in Islam,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> devoting themselves instead to prayer and study of the Quran.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EtymologyEdit
The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root R-M-Ḍ ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) "scorching heat",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which is the Classical Arabic verb "ramiḍa ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}})" meaning "become intensely hot – become burning; become scorching; be blazing; be glowing".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Ramadan is thought of as one of the names of God in Islam by some, and as such it is reported in many hadiths that it is prohibited to say only "Ramadan" in reference to the calendar month and that it is necessary to say "month of Ramadan", as reported in Sunni,<ref name="Al-Bayhaqi">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Al-Tabari">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Al-Razi">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Ibn Abu Hatim">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Al-Dimashqi">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Ibn al-Saqri">Template:Cite book</ref> Shia<ref name="Al-Kafi">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Al-Faqih">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Wasa'il al-Shia">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Bihar Al-Anwar 1">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Al-Iqbal">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Mustadrak al-Wasa'il">Template:Cite book</ref> and Zaydi<ref name="Al-Amali Al-Khamisiyah">Template:Cite book</ref> sources. However, the report has been graded by others as Mawḍūʻ (fabricated)<ref name="Ibn al-Jawzi">Template:Cite book</ref> and inauthentic.<ref name="Al-Bayhaqi" />
In the Persian language, the Arabic letter {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (Ḍād) is pronounced as /z/. The Muslim communities in some countries with historical Persian influence, such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey, use the word Ramazan or Ramzan. The word Romzan is used in Bangladesh.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
HistoryEdit
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Ramadan is the month on which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.{{#if:Template:Qref|{{#if:|}}
— {{#if:|, in }}Template:Comma separated entries}}
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Muslims hold that all scriptures were revealed during Ramadan, the scrolls of Abraham, Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran having been handed down during that month.<ref name="Rafig">Template:Cite book</ref> Muhammad is said to have received his first quranic revelation on Laylat al-Qadr, one of five odd-numbered nights that fall during the last ten days of Ramadan.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Although Muslims were first commanded to fast in the second year of Hijra (624 CE),<ref name="Rafig"/> they believe that the practice of fasting is not in fact an innovation of monotheism<ref>Quran Chapter 2, Revelation 183</ref> but rather has always been necessary for believers to attain fear of God (taqwa).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Qref They point to the fact that the pre-Islamic pagans of Mecca fasted on the tenth day of Muharram to expiate sin and avoid drought.<ref>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Self-published source</ref> Philip Jenkins argues that the observance of Ramadan fasting grew out of "the strict Lenten discipline of the Syrian Churches", a postulation corroborated by other scholars, including theologian Paul-Gordon Chandler,<ref>Jenkins, Philip (2006). The New Faces of Christianity: Believing the Bible in the Global South. p. 182. Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.</ref><ref name="Chandler2008">Template:Cite book</ref> but disputed by some Muslim academics.<ref>Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami, "The History of The Quranic Text: From Revelation to Compilation: A Comparative Study with the Old and New Testaments", 2nd Edition (2008), Azami Publishing House</ref> The Quran itself emphasizes that the fast it prescribes had already been prescribed to earlier biblical communities (2:183), even though an explicit intertext for this pre-Islamic practice does not exist.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Important datesEdit
The Islamic calendar is a lunar one, where each month begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. The Islamic year consists of 12 lunar cycles, and consequently it is 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year, and as it contains no intercalation,Template:Efn Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The Islamic day starts after sunset. The estimated start and end dates for Ramadan, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, are:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
| AH | First day (CE/AD) | Last day (CE/AD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1443 | 2 April 2022 | 1 May 2022 | |
| 1444 | 23 March 2023 | 20 April 2023 | |
| 1445 | 11 March 2024 | Template:09 April 2024 | |
| 1446 | Template:01 March 2025<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> |
29 March 2025 |
| 1447 | 18 February 2026 | 19 March 2026 |
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Many Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but others use the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to determine the start of the month. Since the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the beginning and ending dates of Ramadan depend on what lunar sightings are received in each respective location. As a result, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, but usually only by a day. This is due to the cycles of the moon; the moon may not meet the criteria to qualify as a waxing crescent, which delineates the change in months, at the time of sundown in one location while later meeting it in another location.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Astronomical projections that approximate the start of Ramadan are available.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In Shia Islam, one of the special dates of this month is the day of the assassination of Ali, the fourth Rashidun caliph and the first Shia Imam. Ali was struck during morning prayer on the 19th day of Ramadan, 40 AH, and he died on the 21st day of the month. They engage in mourning and prayer on these nights, especially in Iran.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} </ref>
BeginningEdit
Because the hilāl, or crescent moon, typically occurs approximately one day after the new moon, Muslims can usually estimate the beginning of Ramadan;<ref>Hilal Sighting & Islamic Dates: Issues and Solution Insha'Allaah Template:Webarchive. Hilal Sighting Committee of North America (website Template:Webarchive). Retrieved 19 August 2009.</ref> however, many Muslims prefer to confirm the opening of Ramadan by direct visual observation of the crescent.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Laylat al-QadrEdit
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The Laylat al-Qadr (Template:Langx) or "Night of Power" is the night that Muslims believe the Quran was first sent down to the world, and Muhammad received his first quranic revelation from it. The night is considered to be the holiest night of the year.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is generally believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Dawoodi Bohra believe that Laylat al-Qadr was the twenty-third night of Ramadan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EidEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The holiday of Eid al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر), which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the next lunar month, is declared after a crescent new moon has been sighted or after completion of thirty days of fasting if no sighting of the moon is possible. Eid celebrates the return to a more natural disposition (fitra) of eating, drinking, and marital intimacy.<ref name=EsinIslam>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Religious practicesEdit
The common practice is to fast from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called iftar.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Muslims devote more time to prayer and acts of charity, striving to improve their self-discipline, motivated by hadith:<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> "When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains."<ref name=guardian>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
FastingEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims abstain from sexual relations<ref name="AlJazeera">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and sinful speech and behaviour during Ramadan. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, and to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control,<ref>Why Ramadan brings us together Template:Webarchive; BBC, 1 September 2008</ref> sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).<ref name=WP>Help for the Heavy at Ramadan Template:Webarchive, Washington Post, 27 September 2008</ref>
Exemptions from fasting include those traveling, menstruating, severely ill, pregnant, or breastfeeding.<ref name=":0" /> Those unable to fast are obligated to make up the missed days later.<ref>Template:Qref</ref>
SuhurEdit
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Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhur. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
IftarEdit
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At sunset, families break the fast with the iftar, traditionally opening the meal by eating dates to commemorate Muhammad's practice of breaking the fast with three dates.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> They then adjourn for Maghrib, the fourth of the five required daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Social gatherings, many times in buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, particularly those made only during Ramadan.Template:Such as Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.<ref name="dieticiannour">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In the Middle East, iftar consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers; one or more main dishes; and rich desserts, with dessert considered the most important aspect of the meal.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Typical main dishes include lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, and roasted chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. Desserts may include lokma, baklava or knafeh.<ref name="la">Template:Cite news</ref>
Over time, the practice of iftar has evolved into banquets that may accommodate hundreds or even thousands of diners.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest mosque in the UAE, feeds up to thirty thousand people every night.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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CharityEdit
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Zakat, often translated as "the poor-rate", is the fixed percentage of income a believer is required to give to the poor; the practice is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that good deeds are rewarded more handsomely during Ramadan than at any other time of the year; consequently, many Muslims donate a larger portionTemplate:Sndor even allTemplate:Sndof their yearly zakat during this month.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Nightly prayersEdit
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Tarawih (Template:Langx) are extra nightly prayers performed during the month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Recitation of the QuranEdit
Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, which comprises thirty juz' (sections), over the thirty days of Ramadan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Cultural practicesEdit
In some Islamic countries, lights (fanous) are strung up in public squares and across city streets,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> a tradition believed to have originated during the Fatimid Caliphate, where the rule of Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah was acclaimed by people holding lanterns.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref>
On the island of Java, many believers bathe in holy springs to prepare for fasting, a ritual known as Padusan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The city of Semarang marks the beginning of Ramadan with the Dugderan carnival, which involves parading the warak ngendog, a horse-dragon hybrid creature allegedly inspired by the Buraq.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the Chinese-influenced capital city of Jakarta, firecrackers are widely used to celebrate Ramadan, although they are officially illegal.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Towards the end of Ramadan, most employees receive a one-month bonus known as Tunjangan Hari Raya.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Certain kinds of food are especially popular during Ramadan, such as large beef or buffalo in Aceh and snails in Central Java.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The iftar meal is announced every evening by striking the bedug, a giant drum, in the mosque.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Common greetings during Ramadan include Ramadan mubarak and Ramadan kareem, which mean (have a) "blessed Ramadan" and "generous Ramadan" respectively.<ref>Ramadan 2015: Facts, History, Dates, Greeting And Rules About The Muslim Fast Template:Webarchive, Huffington Post, 15 June 2015</ref>
During Ramadan in the Middle East, a mesaharati beats a drum across a neighbourhood to wake people up to eat the suhoor meal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Similarly in Southeast Asia, the kentongan slit drum is used for the same purpose.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Ramadan attracts significant increases in television viewership, as the usual prime time hours coincide with the iftar, and are commonly extended into the late-night hours to coincide with the suhur. Broadcasters in the Arab world traditionally premiere serial dramas known as musalsal during Ramadan; they are similar in style to Latin American telenovelas, and are typically around 30 episodes in length so that they run over the length of the month.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="nyt-iton2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Advertisers in the region have considered Ramadan to be comparable to the Super Bowl on U.S. television in terms of impact and importance; the cost of a 30-second commercial in peak time during Ramadan is usually more than double than normal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="gn-rtv2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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ObservanceEdit
Template:Hijri to gregorian calendar.svgAccording to a 2012 Pew Research Centre study, there was widespread Ramadan observance, with a median of 93 percent across the thirty-nine countries and territories studied.<ref name="prc">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Regions with high percentages of fasting among Muslims include Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Horn of Africa and most of Sub-Saharan Africa.<ref name="prc" /> Percentages are lower in Central Asia and Southeast Europe.<ref name="prc" />
Ramadan in polar regionsEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The length of the dawn to sunset time varies in different parts of the world according to summer or winter solstices of the Sun. Most Muslims fast for eleven to sixteen hours during Ramadan. However, in polar regions, the period between dawn and sunset may exceed twenty-two hours in summer. For example, in 2014, Muslims in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Trondheim, Norway, fasted almost twenty-two hours, while Muslims in Sydney, Australia, fasted for only about eleven hours. In areas characterized by continuous night or day, some Muslims follow the fasting schedule observed in the nearest city that experiences sunrise and sunset, while others follow Mecca time.<ref name="Ramadan2014">See article "How Long Muslims Fast For Ramadan Around The World" -Huffpost.com /31 July 2014 and article "Fasting Hours of Ramadan 2014" -Onislam.net / 29 June 2014 and article "The true spirit of Ramadan" -Gulfnews.com /31 July 2014</ref><ref name="ottawacitizen">See article by Imam Mohamad Jebara "The fasting of Ramadan is not meant to punish" Template:Webarchive</ref><ref name="ArcticRamadan">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Ramadan in Earth orbitEdit
As sunrise and sunset occur sixteen times each a day in low-Earth orbit, Muslim astronauts in space schedule religious practices around the time zone of the last place on Earth they were on. For example, this means an astronaut from Malaysia launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida would center their fast according to sunrise and sunset times in Cape Canaveral, in Florida's Eastern Time. This includes times for daily prayers, as well as sunset and sunrise for Ramadan.<ref>A Guideline of Performing Ibadah at the International Space Station (ISS)</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
LawsEdit
In some Muslim countries, eating in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is a crime.<ref name="Ramadan 2019: 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Breaking Pakistan's Ramadan Fasting Laws Has Serious Consequences">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Break down by region">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The sale of alcohol becomes prohibited during Ramadan in Egypt.<ref>"Egypt's tourism minister 'confirms' alcohol prohibition on Islamic holidays beyond Ramadan Template:Webarchive," Al-Ahram, 22 July 2012.</ref> The penalty for publicly eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan can result in fines or incarceration in the countries of Kuwait,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Saudi Arabia,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Ramadan in numbers Template:Webarchive, 10 July 2013, The Guardian</ref> Morocco,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Algeria<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Malaysia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the United Arab Emirates, the punishment is community service.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In some countries, on the contrary, the observance of Ramadan has been restricted by governments. In the USSR, the practice of Ramadan was suppressed by officials.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In Albania, Ramadan festivities were banned during the communist period.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> However, many Albanians continued to fast secretly during this period.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
China is reported to have banned Ramadan fasting for officials, students, and teachers in Xinjiang since 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Radio Free Asia alleges that residents in Kashgar Prefecture are compelled to film proof of eating for officials and are encouraged to report those who fasted to the authorities.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The ban has been denied by Chinese diplomats<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Muslim associations in Xinjiang.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Antara News,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Daily Times,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Pakistan Today have also brought up accounts of residents in Xinjiang fasting.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> According to a 2024 visit to Xinjiang by a reporter from the British magazine The Economist, many Uyghurs do not fast during Ramadan because, according to locals, "the Chinese government guarantees freedom of religion".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Employment during RamadanEdit
Muslims continue to work during Ramadan;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> however, in some countries, such as Oman and Lebanon, working hours are shortened.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is often recommended that working Muslims inform their employers if they are fasting, given the potential for the observance to impact performance at work.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The extent to which Ramadan observers are protected by religious accommodation varies by country. Policies putting them at a disadvantage compared to other employees have been met with discrimination claims in the United Kingdom and the United States.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> An Arab News article reported that Saudi Arabian businesses were unhappy with shorter working hours during Ramadan, some reporting a decline in productivity of 35–50%.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Saudi businesses proposed awarding salary bonuses in order to incentivize longer hours.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Despite the reduction in productivity, merchants can enjoy higher profit margins in Ramadan due to increase in demand.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Some countries impose modified work schedules. In the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, employees may work no more than six hours per day and thirty-six hours per week.<ref>Employment Issues During Ramadan – The Gulf RegionTemplate:Dead link, DLA Piper Middle East.</ref>
Health effectsEdit
There are various health effects of fasting in Ramadan. Ramadan fasting is considered safe for healthy individuals; it may pose risks for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. Most Islamic scholars hold that fasting is not required for those who are ill. Additionally, the elderly and pre-pubertal children are exempt from fasting.<ref name=exemption>Template:Cite journal</ref> Pregnant or lactating women are also exempt from fasting during Ramadan.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> There are known health risks involved in pregnant women who fast, which include the potential of induced labour and gestational diabetes.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=preg>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
There are some health benefits of fasting in Ramadan including increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.<ref>Shariatpanahi, Z. Vahdat, et al. "Effect of Ramadan fasting on some indices of insulin resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in healthy male adults." British Journal of Nutrition 100.1 (2008): 147–151.</ref> It has also been shown that there is a significant improvement in 10 years coronary heart disease risk score and other cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids profile, systolic blood pressure, weight, BMI and waist circumference in subjects with a previous history of cardiovascular disease.<ref>Nematy, Mohsen, et al. "Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: a prospective observational study." Nutrition journal 11.1 (2012): 69.</ref> The fasting period is usually associated with modest weight loss, but weight can return afterwards.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In many cultures, it is associated with heavy food and water intake during Suhur and Iftar times, which may do more harm than good.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Ramadan fasting is safe for healthy people provided that overall food and water intake is adequate but those with medical conditions should seek medical advice if they encounter health problems before or during fasting.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The education departments of Berlin and the United Kingdom have tried to discourage students from fasting during Ramadan, as they claim that not eating or drinking can lead to concentration problems and bad grades.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
A review of the literature by an Iranian group suggested fasting during Ramadan might produce renal injury in patients with moderate (GFR <60 ml/min) or severe kidney disease but was not injurious to renal transplant patients with good function or most stone-forming patients.<ref name="renal diseases mini review">Template:Cite journal</ref>
A study on 55 professional Algerian soccer players showed that performance during Ramadan declined significantly for speed, agility, dribbling speed and endurance, and most stayed low 2 weeks after the conclusion of Ramadan.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
See alsoEdit
- Fasting and abstinence of the Coptic Orthodox Church
- Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates
- Table of Mercy
- Shraavana
- Yaqazah
ReferencesEdit
NotesEdit
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CitationsEdit
External linksEdit
Template:Sisterlinks Template:Prone to spam
- Complete Guide to Ramadhan including Rules, Duas, Itikaaf, Laylatul Qadr, Sadaqatul Fitr etc.
- Articles on Ramadan (archived 15 May 2015)
- Ramadan news and articles
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