For nearly two billion people, Friday marks the start of the year's holiest month. It is the beginning of Ramadan — a time when Muslims everywhere explore and test their faith by fasting. The traditions of Ramadan celebrate a crucial moment in the history of IslamA religion centred around the Quran. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. . It was in this month, Muslims believe, that MuhammadThe most important prophet in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that, during his life, the Angel Jibreel presented him with revelations from God, which became the Quran. Born in Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, Muhammad spent his life preaching and is considered the founder of Islam. was told he had been chosen as God's messenger, and the word of AllahA term used for the only God in Islam. was revealed to him, creating what we now know as the Quran — Islam's holy book. According to the Quran, for the next 30 days "the gates of paradise are opened, and the gates of hell are closed". The month is a time of purity, blessed by Allah, in which good actions have a greater reward. Many Muslims will take the opportunity to give up bad habits, and make more effort to do good. MosquesIslamic places of worship. open late for Taraweeh prayers. Often, people will strive to put more effort into their faith, by thinking about God, reading the Quran and donating to charity. Important as all this is, however, the most crucial element of Ramadan is the fast, or Sawm. For 30 days, many Muslims will let nothing pass their lips from sunrise until sunset. This year, that means waking up before dawn to stock up on fuel, then waiting until the sun sets to break fast, often in a celebratory meal with friends and family. It is a big challenge: even drinking water and chewing gum is forbidden. Why take on such a testing trial? Taking on the Sawm means disciplining the body, focusing the mind and showing commitment to God. As many Islamic scholars point out, only Allah can know if an individual has really kept to his or her fast — making it a profound and personal test of faith. In many Muslim countries, daily life during Ramadan is arranged around fasting. For Western Muslims, however, the demands of school and work, and the constant presence of temptation as others munch on lunch and dinner, can make Ramadan much harder. That's not all. This year, Ramadan falls as over 3,000 Muslim athletes compete in the London Olympics. For many, that means making a tough decision: break the fast, or risk a crucial competitive disadvantage from hunger and thirst. Absolute asceticism? Many athletes will go for the first option. They think the value of Ramadan lies more in personal commitment and belief than following the rules to the letter. Fasting is about discipline and faith in God: compared to these qualities, going hungry doesn't matter so much. But for others, being fully committed to something means standing by it even when it is inconvenient. People of many religions feel rules like keeping kosher or observing the Sabbath are essential to religious devotion. They provide a structure for personal belief and understanding to flourish. Q & A What kind of events happen during Ramadan in the UK? Every night, prayers are held at mosques all over the country, and community centres and Islamic groups will also hold gatherings for the breaking of the fast. How many Muslim athletes will be fasting? Some plan to, but many will choose not to fast during the Olympics and observe later in the year. Will people from other religions face similar problems? In the past, some Christian athletes have struggled with competing on a Sunday, which is observed as a day of rest. In the 1924 Olympics, Eric Liddell refused to compete in the 100m sprint because it fell on a Sunday. Instead, he trained for the 400m — and won gold.KeywordsIslam - A religion centred around the Quran. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Month of fasting ahead as Ramadan approaches
For nearly two billion people, Friday marks the start of the year's holiest month. It is the beginning of Ramadan - a time when Muslims everywhere explore and test their faith by fasting. The traditions of Ramadan celebrate a crucial moment in the history of IslamA religion centred around the Quran. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. . It was in this month, Muslims believe, that MuhammadThe most important prophet in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that, during his life, the Angel Jibreel presented him with revelations from God, which became the Quran. Born in Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, Muhammad spent his life preaching and is considered the founder of Islam. was told he had been chosen as God's messenger, and the word of AllahA term used for the only God in Islam. was revealed to him, creating what we now know as the Quran - Islam's holy book. According to the Quran, for the next 30 days "the gates of paradise are opened, and the gates of hell are closed". The month is a time of purity, blessed by Allah, in which good actions have a greater reward. Many Muslims will take the opportunity to give up bad habits, and make more effort to do good. MosquesIslamic places of worship. open late for Taraweeh prayers. Often, people will strive to put more effort into their faith, by thinking about God, reading the Quran and donating to charity. Important as all this is, however, the most crucial element of Ramadan is the fast, or Sawm. For 30 days, many Muslims will let nothing pass their lips from sunrise until sunset. This year, that means waking up before dawn to stock up on fuel, then waiting until the sun sets to break fast, often in a celebratory meal with friends and family. It is a big challenge: even drinking water and chewing gum is forbidden. Why take on such a testing trial? Taking on the Sawm means disciplining the body, focusing the mind and showing commitment to God. As many Islamic scholars point out, only Allah can know if an individual has really kept to his or her fast - making it a profound and personal test of faith. In many Muslim countries, daily life during Ramadan is arranged around fasting. For Western Muslims, however, the demands of school and work, and the constant presence of temptation as others munch on lunch and dinner, can make Ramadan much harder. That's not all. This year, Ramadan falls as over 3,000 Muslim athletes compete in the London Olympics. For many, that means making a tough decision: break the fast, or risk a crucial competitive disadvantage from hunger and thirst. Absolute asceticism? Many athletes will go for the first option. They think the value of Ramadan lies more in personal commitment and belief than following the rules to the letter. Fasting is about discipline and faith in God: compared to these qualities, going hungry doesn't matter so much. But for others, being fully committed to something means standing by it even when it is inconvenient. People of many religions feel rules like keeping kosher or observing the Sabbath are essential to religious devotion. They provide a structure for personal belief and understanding to flourish.
Keywords
Islam - A religion centred around the Quran. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Muhammad - The most important prophet in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that, during his life, the Angel Jibreel presented him with revelations from God, which became the Quran. Born in Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, Muhammad spent his life preaching and is considered the founder of Islam.
Allah - A term used for the only God in Islam.
Mosques - Islamic places of worship.
Month of fasting ahead as Ramadan approaches
Glossary
Islam - A religion centred around the Quran. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Muhammad - The most important prophet in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe that, during his life, the Angel Jibreel presented him with revelations from God, which became the Quran. Born in Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, in the year 570, Muhammad spent his life preaching and is considered the founder of Islam.
Allah - A term used for the only God in Islam.
Mosques - Islamic places of worship.