Muslim holidays: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Selma isn’t joining her friends for lunch today. Instead, she’ll spend the time praying. Selma hasn’t been eating or drinking during daylight hours for nearly a month now. That’s because it’s a special time of the year for Selma, who is a Muslim. It is the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the month that the Muslim holy book, the Quran, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. To commemorate this, most Muslims around the world don’t eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting renews Muslims’ gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives – including the Quran.

And feeling hungry and thirsty reminds Muslims to think of those less fortunate. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most important practices – one of the Five Pillars — of Islam. Each day of Ramadan, Muslims eat one meal just before sunrise – this is known as the suhoor – and one meal directly after sunset – the iftar. Not all Muslims fast during Ramadan – pregnant people, elderly people, and those who are ill or travelling do not need to fast. And children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age of 14.

This is Selma’s first year fasting! But Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. This is also a time to pray more, read the Quran… …and do good deeds for others. Selma is spending some of her evenings visiting a seniors home, where she reads the residents’ favourite books aloud to them. Now Ramadan is drawing to a close.

Selma’s first fast hasn’t always been easy, but she’s glad to have joined in this important practice of her faith. Tomorrow there will be a big celebration, to mark the end of Ramadan! This celebration is called Eid al-Fitr, meaning Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. At daybreak, Selma eats a small snack and then heads to the mosque with her family. There is a special service giving thanks to God for the strength to fast and do good over the last month.

After the service, Selma shares a big breakfast with her family and friends. It is their first daytime meal for a month! Everyone wears their best clothes and people exchange gifts. Eid al-Fitr is also a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have and to help those less fortunate. Giving to others is important to Muslims year round, but at Eid all Muslims who are able make a specific donation to charity.

It is called Zakat al-Fitr. Sharing with those in need means everyone can enjoy Eid! Eid Mubarak, Selma! — blessed Eid!