Happy Ramadhan 2014

I could still remember my first exposure to the season of Ramadhan way back November 2002 as a first year student of Mindanao State University, Marawi City. I was asleep then when firing of guns and exhibition of other artificial explosives woke me up. I really thought there was an encounter between the rebels and the military men. I hurriedly went to Kuya Sam – the landlord of Ararat Cottage at the upper commercial center and he explained it’s an indication that the Ramadhan has commenced. (sighs). Thank God we are safe.  

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex with their partners during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God. Muslims fast for the sake of Allah and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan)

Photo Credit: http://anputryfrvr.onsugar.com/Ramadhan-here-Alhamdulillah-18521670

For 12 years of stay in MSU, Marawi City as a student and faculty, I had the privilege to know how Muslims observe Ramadhan.

As early as 2 o’clock in the morning, they are already awake to prepare for the suhoor - a meal before sunrise. They will also recite the first prayer of the day. Muslims spend fasting during daytime. That is, they abstain from sexual activities, eating food and drinking water. Those who are exempted from fasting include the following: a.) Children below twelve years old (but I have seen that some of the kids start fasting as early as 7 years of age); b.) Those who are physically and mentally challenged; c.)  The Senior Citizens (but there are also those who still observe fasting); d.) The pregnant and nursing mothers and e.)  Women under menstruation period.

I learned not to eat in public places because it can stimulate hunger and thirst from our Muslim brothers. I was impressed with my former Muslim professors who remain enthusiastic and vibrant in class discussions even if they were fasting.

As the sun sets, everyone prepares the Iftar meal. It literally breaks the fast where the Muslims care to eat and drink. After saying the Maghrib prayer (fourth prayer of the day), the meal is then served. Other than the five daily prayers, Muslims also recite Taraweeh and Lailatul Qadr which is the night of power, a period spent for praying the entire night.

As the end of Ramadhan approaches, everyone gets excited to reap the rewards of their sacrifices, that is, the forgiveness of their sins and the coming of more blessings.

It is also during Ramadhan when various products are sold at a discount. Malongs, shawls, and other apparels are showcased along the streets and the famous Padian – a marketplace visited by thousands of Muslims and Christians alike who want to enjoy getting products at lower prices. Water melon, buko, mango, fruit salads, loaf bread, peanut butter among others are widely available during the season. Some food business establishments however, are not opened to accommodate customers in the observance of the long-month fasting.

To all Muslims, Happy Ramadhan. May Allah bless you with good health, happiness and continued success. May peace reign in everyone’s hearts which will be manifested in our peaceful relationships with others.

I thank God to have reached Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines.