HERWARCRY acknowledges and respects the importance that religion holds in the lives of many. Spirituality and the ability to practise one’s faith is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary part of wellness and self-care for many individuals around the world.
In the spirit of Ramadan approaching we have prepared a short interview with an amazing young Muslim woman by the name of Marsa Arob. Marsa shares her own knowledge on what this practice is and the meaning it holds for a large majority of practising Muslims. Marsa also shares what Ramadan personally means to her and offers advice to those who may be participating for the first time or are struggling to continue fasting. She also sheds light on the benefits of fasting and encourages others who are not fasting or part of this faith to be mindful of the Muslim community during this time.
What is Ramadan in your own words? What happens during this period?
Ramadan is a month of mercy and purification in which all Muslims participate in abstaining from everyday pleasures such as drinking and eating food and intimacy (for married couples). It is the time for perfecting the 5 pillars of Islam including prayer, giving charity, fasting, Hajj (done after Ramadan) and showing in our everyday life/actions our profession of the shahada (Faith) - that we believe in only one God and that Muhammad is his messenger.
When is Ramadan in 2020?
We receive a letter every year stating the date of Ramadan by the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC). "ANIC is the currently sole national organisation of Imams and Islamic Scholars with broad community representation. This places the ANIC Council in a unique position of officially representing the wider interests of the Australian Muslim Community" (ANIC, 2020). This year the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Friday 24th April, 2020. The first night of the holy month of Ramadan and prayer will be on Thursday 23rd April, 2020 after Sunset.
Who participates in Ramadan? Is anyone exempt from participating?
Every Muslim who has hit puberty can participate in Ramadan. The only people who cannot participate in Ramadan are people who are not of age and have really poor health, pregnant women, women who are menstruating, sick people and people who may be travelling.
How do you prepare for Ramadan?
You can prepare for Ramadan by reading more of the Quran and praying all of your five daily prayers properly and on time, doing extra fasts, and visiting the sick prior to Ramadan.
What food and beverages can you consume during Ramadan and when, if any?
As a Muslim participating in Ramadan, you can consume any food as long as it is halal (lawful). A high fibre diet, water and dates are the best way to break our fast after Sundown. Practising Muslims also do not consume alcohol or eat pork.
Do you remember your first time participating in Ramadan?
My first time participating in Ramadan was last year as I have only just recently converted to Islam.
Is it difficult fasting during Ramadan? What helps you the most to continue?
What keeps me going during Ramadan is knowing the rewards that I will be receiving from abstaining from sin and everyday pleasures. Ramadan also makes me appreciate what I have as there are loads of people out there that do not have what we have today.
Are there any health benefits associated with fasting?
Many people in our society lack self-control and do not eat to satisfy their hunger, but eat for the pleasure and comfort of it. This has now provoked major health risks such as obesity and other diseases. The prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) affirmed the habits of eating less as a way of preventing disease and illnesses.
Major health benefits of fasting 2x a week include: reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, which are both diseases which we see a significant increase in amongst the general population today.
Some important benefits of fasting:
- Changing your diet can impact brain function
- Overfed brains are more likely to become impaired
- Fasting causes a range of neurochemical change in the brain
- Staying away from food boosts cognitive function decreases inflammation and helps one cope with stress
- Memory ability and learning and response to fasting stimulates the creation of ketones and mitochondria in the neurons/nerve cells located in the body
- Fasting is also the equivalent of issuing a challenge for one’s brain
- During fasting, the brain responds by modifying stress pathways and reducing the risks of many diseases
- A person who fasts empowers their brain to boost its protein production and circulate the growth of neurons and boost the growth of and bonds between neurons
(Sourced from: https://youtu.be/57PVWZA1EVs)
Do you find that your daily routine changes quite significantly during Ramadan? How do you work around this?
My daily routine is affected during Ramadan due to the nature of fasting and prayer. I would find that I would have to have set breaks if I am at work or engaging in physical activity, especially around when we break our fast.
What happens towards the end of Ramadan? What does this typically look like for you? Towards the end of Ramadan, we typically have a Congregational prayer and a celebration called Eid. Eid is a massive celebration of the breaking of the fast and it is celebrated with family friends and neighbours. This year I will be celebrating it at home with my husband and my in-laws.
What is some advice that you can give to Muslims who are about to undergo their first fast and to those who find Ramadan a challenging period for them?
If this is your first-time completing Ramadan or if you are someone who finds this period challenging, try to write a set of goals for Ramadan and slowly complete them throughout the month. Also pray for Allah (God) to give you the strength that you need to abstain from sin and carry out your fast. If you sincerely cannot fast then you can give to charity.
What are some things that you believe others can do to be more mindful and supportive of the Muslim community during Ramadan?
Respecting why we fast and being aware is important. If you are unsure of what we can and cannot do during the holy month, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like. You should also refrain from eating and drinking in front of a fasting Muslim.
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Thank you Marsa for agreeing to be interviewed on a topic that is very special to you. The HERWARCRY community wishes all who are participating in Ramadan this year, a happy and healthy fast. We will be keeping the Muslim community in our thoughts during this time, making efforts to be sensitive and aware of the practices you will be undertaking.
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Stay happy and healthy,
~ Herwarcry
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