Ramadan 2019: Why every muslim is expected to fast

The month of Ramadan, which is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, for 29/30 days is upon us!

All through the holy month, Muslims won’t eat or drink between sunrise and sunset, which is important to allow them to devote themselves further to their faith, ultimately becoming closer to Allah.

The reason why Muslims fast is because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the other pillars being faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to Mecca – the Holy City.

Before sunrise, they will have a meal (suhoor) and another meal (iftar) after sunset. The only people that do not have to fast during Ramadan are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are travelling or who are ill.

The 29/30 days fasting is mandatory for all adults except for those on sick bed, the pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, those traveling long distance journey, old age, a woman doing her menstruation and someone who is not mentally stable.

Muslims are advised to be in their best behavior, even though sins are forgiven during this period, committing some atrocities like taking of alcohol, stealing, fighting and lots more may however render the fasting useless.

However there are conditions that must be met, for the woman who was on her period, she must repay everything she missed after the month of Ramadan and this can be done all months long before the beginning of another Ramadan. The same is applied for the pregnant and breastfeeding woman,the sick one and the one on a journey.
At the end of the fast, there will be an Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr is a festival and celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.