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Why can you eat at night during Muslim fasting? Muslims strictly observe traditions and covenants

Every religion has different fasts. They are long and short, especially revered and less revered. For Muslims, the most important fast is Ramadan, which falls on the month of the same name. It is obligatory for all believers. Muslim fasting has some differences, for example, from Christian fasting in its modern form, although the spiritual goal is the same in both.

What is Ramadan and how did it originate?

The Muslim fast of Ramadan is one of the most important events of this religion. It is obligatory and one of the five pillars of Islam. Although, according to legend, the Prophet Muhammad had an unfavorable attitude towards asceticism, he himself established this fast. It falls on the ninth month of the lunar calendar, and since the lunar year is shorter than the Gregorian year, the beginning of fasting annually shifts eleven days earlier than the previous one. Its name coincides with the name of the month of Ramadan, but in Turkish languages it is most often called Uraza.

It was in this month that the Prophet Muhammad was given the first revelation from the Lord, which was conveyed to him by the angel Jebrail. Such revelations were subsequently included in the Koran. The first revelation was received on the night of the twenty-seventh, and it is believed that it is on this day that Allah is most favorable to believers. When Muslim fasting begins, one should completely abstain from eating during the daytime. Other austerities are also observed, which will be discussed in more detail below.

It should be noted that the time of the beginning of the fast and the time of leaving it is determined by the area in which the fasting person is located. If a believer began his fast in one place, but for certain reasons he had to go to another and there it ends a day or two earlier, then this should be accepted. The day of leaving Ramadan must be celebrated with everyone, and the missed days must be postponed to another time.

What is the purpose of fasting for Muslims?

The essence of Muslim fasting is the manifestation of one's willpower over the desires of the flesh for the triumph of the spirit. At this time, the believer needs to concentrate on his inner world in order to find his sinful inclinations and destroy them, as well as repent of the sins that have been committed. It is very important to fight pride at this time in order to sincerely humble yourself before the will of the Creator.

Ramadan should reflect on your life, rethink life values, what is truly important and what is superficial. Thanks to this, there is a strengthening of faith, spiritual growth of the believer and, possibly, a change in life priorities.

Activities prohibited and permitted during Ramadan

Muslim fasting has a number of prohibited and permitted actions that violate its course. We list them below.

You should not intentionally eat or drink.
Smoking is prohibited.
During fasting, sexual intercourse is prohibited if it leads to ejaculation.
You cannot administer medications rectally or vaginally (in this case it is better to postpone the fast).
The fast is considered invalid if the intention has not been pronounced. This is done every day.
You should not swallow moisture that even involuntarily enters your mouth. This is why swimming is not recommended during the fasting period and showering should be done with caution.
You can brush your teeth, but you need to be careful not to swallow any water or toothpaste in the process.
Swallowing saliva is not considered breaking the fast.
It is permissible to donate blood or perform bloodletting during Ramadan.
Medicines can also be given by injection.

Eating while fasting

There are only two meals during the month of Muslim fasting. The first time a believer eats food is before the sun rises (this is a mandatory condition). This pre-dawn breakfast is called suhur. This is a mandatory action, since it is believed that the Muslim in this case will receive more rewards, since he will perform all the actions prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad. Then, after sunrise, the believer should not eat anything.

The evening meal is called iftar. It is performed after sunset and prayer and, of course, is taken into account local time). Eating later is not recommended. Breaking the fast takes place with a small amount of dates, and then you can eat a full meal, but very modestly. However, all the dishes are quite filling and there are a lot of them, because during this month it is customary to treat not only your family, but also other people. During Lent, you must at least once invite your neighbors, friends, and distant relatives to visit you and feed them.

It should be noted that at night the believer is required to pronounce an intention. This is a phrase that speaks of the desire to fast for the sake of Allah. It can be in any form and must be pronounced with the heart. If the phrase was not uttered, then the day of fasting is considered invalid. They say it at night between prayers.

Many believers from other religions are surprised by this way of fasting, but ancient Christians also had exactly this type of fasting. They did not eat food all day and prayed fervently; only after Vespers could they consume a certain amount of food to maintain strength in their bodies. Over time, the type of fasting changed somewhat in the Christian tradition; as a result, they only excluded certain types of food from their diet. Thus, the type of fasting that is now preserved in Islam has quite ancient roots.

Leaving the post

The Muslim fast ends after thirty days on the first day of the month of Shawwal. In honor of this, a real holiday is organized, which is called Eid al-Adha. On this day, believers break their fast and perform festive prayer. Also during this (fast) alms should be paid. This is done in the mosque or for those who need help. You should also visit the mosque, and then celebrate the end of the fast with relatives and close friends.

Who may not fast

Fasting during the month of Ramadan in the Muslim tradition may not be observed in the following cases:

If a person is sick and it is very difficult or impossible for him to fast.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women also do not observe Ramadan.
Children who have not reached puberty.
Old people, infirm and terminally ill, but they must feed the poor or pay a certain amount.
Also, people on the road may not fast, but they must make up for it after completing the journey. However, if they have begun to abstain from food, then interruption is not allowed, even if they had to leave. To break the fast, the journey must be long, at least eighty-three kilometers from home.
Non-Muslims may not adhere to Ramadan (for them it is considered invalid).
Mentally ill people who are in a clouded mind.

It should be noted that even if believers do not fast, it is not allowed to demonstratively eat, drink or smoke in front of other believers.

Conclusion

So, as we see, the great Muslim fast is very important for all believers. At this time, a person becomes closer to the Lord due to the renunciation of everything unnecessary that usually accompanies his life. In addition, during the Muslim fast there is spiritual unity with loved ones, since everyone supports each other in this pious matter, and also conducts numerous conversations about spiritual things.

Islam is one of the youngest religions on earth, and at the same time, one of the strictest in terms of compliance with the canons. It contains so-called pillars of religion, i.e. Sharia regulations that must be fulfilled in order to be considered true adherents of faith in Allah.

One of the pillars is the strict observance of a whole series of rites, rituals and abstinences from the beginning to the end of the month of Ramadan.

Islamic calendar and Ramadan in it

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is what month of the year? Every Muslim knows that he is the ninth. Its name comes from the Arabic “to burn the earth”, “burning”, since it is in this month that solar activity reaches its maximum and literally burns and dries out the vegetation on the hot earth. If we compare the Islamic and Christian calendars, then the month of Ramadan usually begins somewhere at the end of our May and ends at the end of June, in total it lasts 29-30 days. It is believed that it was during these days that the great prophet Muhammad was given his mission in “revealed words” - this is how the holy Koran was born. The month of Ramadan in 2017 began on May 27 and ended on June 25.

Where does the observance of Ramadan begin?

The most important ritual at the beginning of the month of Ramadan is the intention to observe this holy period (Arabic: “niyat”). It sounds something like this: “I intend from today to fast during Ramadan in the name of Allah.”

Fasting in the month of Ramadan

The most important action in Ramadan is fasting (Arabic: “saum”). Those. abstaining from the main temptations: eating, smoking, drinking and intimate relationships during the daytime until sunset. By his abstinence, a Muslim shows Allah his devotion, fidelity and willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of faith.

What conditions are necessary to observe Ramadan?

Not every person, and not even every Muslim, can observe the sacred ritual. In order for a person to be allowed to observe Ramadan, the following conditions must be met:

Of course, the observant must be a Muslim. And not only because of his faith, he must undergo the procedure of converting to Islam in the mosque.
The observant must be an adult according to Shariah. Children are not allowed to fast because they need adequate nutrition.
The observant should not have mental or severe physical illnesses, because with a mental illness the observant does not know what he is doing, but with physical illnesses it is often necessary good food and drinking plenty of fluids.
Pregnant and lactating women are exempt from fasting, as they have an urgent need for regular nutrition.
Wanderers and travelers who are on the road or more than 90 km from home may not fast if this entails serious consequences for them.
Women during the period of monthly or postpartum bleeding may also not fast due to large blood loss and the need to replace it.

However, those released should remember that it is extremely undesirable to do forbidden actions in public (drinking, smoking), so as not to add unnecessary temptations to them. Chewing gum, playing loud music and frivolous dancing in public places are also unacceptable during the fasting period.

When can you eat and drink during fasting?

Is it possible to eat and drink during the month of Ramadan? After sunset, a Muslim who observes fasting (Arabic: “Uraza”) performs the sacred night prayer (Arabic: “Isha”), then he can read a voluntary and desirable prayer with his companions (Arabic: “Tarawih”). It includes 8-20 rak'ahs. Next, you can begin breaking the fast - the evening meal (Arabic “iftar”). Eating at night is prescribed not only with a close circle of relatives, but also with friends and acquaintances. Sometimes beggars from the street are invited to break the fast as a sign of helping the poor. Food for breaking the fast should also not be rich and plentiful. Shariah prescribes the consumption of milk, dates, and water during the night breaking of the fast. Too heavy, spicy or fatty foods are undesirable during this period, as they can cause thirst or stomach complications in the future.

During the breaking of the fast, you should try to finish your morning meal (Arabic “suhoor”) at least half an hour before dawn. And then again keep the daily fast.

What not to do during Ramadan:

do not pronounce intentions: this negates all observance of Ramadan;
eat food intentionally;
drinking intentionally;
smoking and inhaling smoke intentionally;
engage in intimate intimacy, indulge in handjobs, perform caresses leading to ejaculation, even if it was not direct sexual intercourse;
allow yourself idle entertainment (frivolous dancing, listening to loud music, except prayer speeches);
use of medications that require rectal or vaginal application;
cause spontaneous vomiting;
swallow separated mucus that has entered the throat.

What you are allowed to do during Ramadan:

non-special intake of food and water (for example, if a person drowns in the sea);
drug injections;
blood donation (donor, tests), bleeding;
bathing, if you do not swallow a drop of water;
kisses without penetration into the oral cavity (as we say “not passionately”);
bodily caresses that do not lead to ejaculation;
swallowing your own saliva without sputum or vomiting;
you should brush your teeth with care so that the paste is not swallowed (in general, some Muslims believe that there is no need to brush your teeth after midday, because “the smell from the mouth of a Muslim who observes fasting has a special hue and is a kind of incense for Allah”);
vomiting, if it occurs involuntarily;
It is permissible not to perform prayers.

Rituals in Ramadan, in addition to fasting

Holy Ramadan is not only about fasting, but also about numerous prayers to Allah.

The most important prayer - namaz - is performed five times a day.

In addition to prayers, evening prayers, morning prayers and praises to Allah before each meal are desirable.

The most common ones during this period are: iftar, suhoor, dua “Iftiah”, dua “Mujir”, dua “Makaremu Ahlak”, dua “Baha”, dua Abu Hamza Sumali, dua “Jaushan Kabir”.

In the last 10 days of fasting, it is advisable for a Muslim to go into solitude, since the Prophet Muhammad once went into solitude for the last 20 days of his life. Privacy is best done in Muslim mosque, before this, pronouncing another special intention - for solitude.

Of course, it is advisable to read the Koran throughout the holy month.

How Ramadan ends

After the ritual solitude comes the so-called. Night of Predestination (Arabic: al-Qadra). This night comes after the end of the 27th day of Ramadan - it was then, according to legend, that the first sura of the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (610). Then the Archangel Gabriel, descending from heaven, gave the prophet a scroll with orders to read it. On this night, it is customary to ask Allah for forgiveness for sins committed and read the Koran a lot.

On the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, the fasting person should pay alms: obligatory (Arabic “zakat”) and voluntary (Arabic “saadaka”). A solemn prayer is read, and those fasting prepare for the holiday in honor of Ramadan - Eid al-Fitr (Arabic).

The first day of the new month, on which this holy holiday is celebrated, begins with the sacred prayer Eid prayer, which marks the end of Ramadan.

By this time, the houses should already be clean (Muslims must take care of cleaning). On the holiday itself, believers must wash themselves and put on clean, beautiful clothes. The day of celebration is considered a day off.

For Uraza Bayram, a lot of festive food is prepared (prepared mainly by women): fried lamb, rich soup with beans, meat and vegetables, salads with meat, pancakes, pies, pilaf, numerous sweets, dates, fruits.

Believers go to each other's houses, give gifts, and distribute sweets to children. Everyone congratulates each other with the phrase “Eid Mubarak!” Children play active outdoor games. Adults can dance and sing. On this same day, it is customary to go to the cemetery to visit relatives in order to honor their memory and offer prayers to Allah for them.

Main tasks in Ramadan

Ramadan is not only a cleansing of the flesh (in any religion it is known that fasting itself is useful for cleansing the body), but also a cleansing of the soul. The soul is cleansed through the flesh. Through good deeds (helping the poor, for example), the soul is cured of filth. Through renunciation of pleasures (dancing, singing, games, watching entertainment programs, etc.) humility and abstinence are trained. The ability to endure, refuse, make sacrifices, be restrained, merciful, and generous allows believers to gain the true mercy of Allah during Ramadan.

If Ramadan is performed with evil thoughts or for show or for selfish purposes, Allah rejects such a sacrifice and does not grant His mercy to a liar.

Punishments and fines for failure to comply with Ramadan

It is believed that any true Muslim is obliged to perform Ramadan, unless he is exempt from this ritual. However, there are violators everywhere, and if one is caught, he must be punished.

Anyone who violates the instructions must suffer atonement (Arabic: “kaffarah”). This could be additional alms for the poor or additional fasting.

In case of unintentional violation of the instructions, the believer must make up for the days of broken fasting after the end of Ramadan or help a certain number of people in need with money or food.

Followers of Islam are now celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, during which every believer fasts. They live according to lunar calendar, which means that every year the period of spiritual purification begins in different time, but certainly for the 9th month of the year. In 2018, Ramadan began on May 15 and will end on June 14. During this time, Muslims are prohibited from taking food and water during daylight hours. And only after sunset the usual way of life begins: the family begins to eat.

The holy month was created for spiritual and physical cleansing. Ramadan is honored as a memory of the fact that it was during this period that the first lines of the Koran appeared to the Prophet Muhammad. It is believed that during this period the gates of Heaven are open and the doors to hell are closed, and even the devils are on chains. For a whole month, those who honor Islamic traditions pray more than usual and adhere to strict fasting.

But the day before the onset of Ramadan, you need to prepare. Perform a complete wash of the body and voice your intention to fast. Then say a special prayer and the next morning forget about eating during the day. The main thing is to do good deeds, give alms to the needy and feed the hungry.

Supporters of Islam argue that fasting helps Muslims control their emotions. This way they are freed from everything negative: anger, envy, temptations. The main task of the righteous is to get closer to Allah. Fasting contributes to this in the best possible way, pacifying the soul and flesh.

What time can you eat today during Lent: who is allowed not to abstain

There are some exceptions for certain categories of people who, for objective reasons, cannot adhere to traditions. We are talking about pregnant and lactating women, children under the age of majority, sick and elderly people. They are allowed not to fast, otherwise there is a risk of deterioration in their health.

If, due to circumstances, you have to retreat from fasting for several days, then after the end of Ramadan it is important to compensate for these days by abstaining from food and water during the day for the same number of days. Another option is to feed the hungry. At the same time, for the amount that a person usually spends on food for himself for one day. For every day of deviating from fasting, one hungry person must.

Thus, during Ramadan, Muslims eat from sunset to dawn, pray during the day and, at first glance, lead a normal lifestyle. Night hours become a small holiday in such a difficult and important period of life as Lent. For the entire period of the holy month, you need to give up bad habits and under no circumstances lead an intimate life during the day. This is one of the most serious violations.

Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual purification, can begin at different times in different Muslim countries, depending on the method of astronomical calculation or direct observation of the phases of the Moon.

Muslims congratulate each other on the onset of Ramadan, since it was in this month that the Holy Quran was revealed, which plays a special role in the life of every believer.

Holy month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan, which Muslim believers consider their main duty of the year, is very important in Islam. This is a holy month of obligatory fasting and daily prayers—a time to earn eternal Paradise.

During the holy month of Ramadan, many deeds can earn a great reward: fasting, five daily prayers (namaz), Tarawih prayer, sincere supplication, evening (iftar) and pre-dawn meals (suhoor), as well as donations and many others good deeds and deeds.

The righteous believe that fasting helps a Muslim control negative emotions and qualities, such as anger, hatred, greed, and also fight the passions that overcome him.

In Islam, people hope to get closer to the Almighty through fasting. And since getting closer to Allah is the meaning of a believer’s life, fasting occupies an important place in Islam. First of all, fasting is intended to pacify the soul and body, as well as to accurately fulfill the instructions of Allah.

How to fast

The holy fast of Ramadan begins at dawn and ends at sunset - during the daytime, the faithful refuse to eat.

In Islam, during fasting there are two night meals: Suhur - pre-dawn and Iftar - evening. It is advisable to complete the pre-dawn meal at least half an hour before dawn, and iftar should begin immediately after the evening prayer.

Compliance with these two meals is encouraged by an additional reward, although skipping is not a violation of the fast. According to the Koran, the best food for a night meal is water and dates.

Predawn meal

The Prophet Muhammad also spoke about the importance of eating before dawn. He said: “Take food before dawn on the days of fasting! Truly, in suhoor is God's grace (barakat)!”

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims eat their morning meal before dawn. They believe that Allah will greatly reward such an action. You shouldn't overeat during Suhoor, but you should eat enough food - it gives you strength for the whole day.

Evening meal

The evening meal should be started immediately after sunset, that is, after the fourth, penultimate prayer of that day.

Isha - night prayer - the last of the five obligatory daily prayers, follows iftar. Doctors do not recommend skipping iftar, as this can have a bad effect on the body.

What you can and cannot eat

It is recommended to consume complex carbohydrates during Suhoor - vegetable salad, sprouted grain bread, cereal dishes. Complex carbohydrates provide the body with energy, despite the fact that they take a long time to digest. Dried fruits - dates, nuts - almonds and fruits - bananas are also suitable.

In the morning you should not eat protein foods - they load the liver, which works without interruption during fasting. At this time of day, you should not eat fried, fatty and smoked foods, as well as fish, as you will want to drink after eating it. You also need to give up coffee.

Meat and vegetable dishes can be eaten during Iftar, as well as cereal dishes and sweets in small quantities. By the way, sweets can be replaced with dates or fruits. But you need to drink a lot of water. You can also drink compote, tea, fruit drink, juice and jelly.

It is not advisable to eat fatty and fried foods in the evening - they will cause heartburn and put on extra pounds. Instant foods - various cereals in packages - should also be excluded from the evening diet. Such dishes will not fill you up, and literally after an hour or two you will want to eat again, as they contain salt and other spices.

During the Ramadan fast, it is better to exclude sausage and frankfurters from the menu altogether. Sausages, which have a bad effect on the liver and kidneys and satisfy hunger for only a few hours, can develop thirst.

Rules of Ramadan

Every adult Muslim is required to fast during Ramadan. During fasting, everyone must adhere to the established rules - pray a lot and confirm daily their intention to participate in this holiday in the name of Allah.

During the month of Ramadan, during the daytime, Muslims, in order to atone for their sins, refuse not only to eat, but also to drink, smoke and have sex.

Ramadan is a holy month, which is intended to cleanse the soul and body, to rethink life in general. Therefore, Allah will not count the fulfillment of religious duty without daily prayers (namaz).

During this strict fast one should abstain from evil thoughts and intentions, perform prayers more often, and avoid defamatory actions and ungodly people.

Old people and warriors, sick people, travelers, pregnant and lactating women, as well as children are exempt from fasting during holy Ramadan. Compensation of the fast is obligatory in another, more favorable period.

What not to do during Lent

The following actions are broken during the holy month of Ramadan and the following actions require atonement (kaffarah): deliberate consumption of food, liquids, medicines and everything that is suitable for consumption, as well as smoking and marital intimacy.

The following circumstances that violate the fast also require compensation: use of an enema; ingestion of drugs into the body through the nose and ears; water entering the nasopharynx during ablution; deliberately inducing vomiting; the beginning of menstruation or the postpartum period.

A Muslim who breaks his fast must pay a certain amount of money or food to the needy, thus making up for the fast.

Entering into intimate relationships is one of the most serious violations. For this violation, a Muslim must either feed 60 poor people or observe 60 days of continuous strict fasting.

Night of Predestination

The last ten days of fasting are especially strict and responsible, since the most big night in a year for every Muslim - Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power and Predestination, falls on one out of 10 last nights Ramadan.

According to legend, it was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations from the Archangel Jebrail - he went down to the praying prophet and gave him the Koran. Although, some sources indicate that the Night of Power and Predestination falls on the 27th of Ramadan

An entire sura is dedicated to this Night in the Holy Koran - “Inna anzalnagu”. It says that the Night of Power is better than a thousand months without it.

It is believed that the fate of every person - his life path, the difficulties and trials that must be passed through - is predetermined in heaven precisely on Laylat al-Qadr. And if a true believer spends this night in prayer, in understanding his actions and possible mistakes, then Allah will be merciful and forgive him his sins.

Therefore, Muslims try to pray with great zeal and adhere to the instructions of Allah during the holy month of Ramadan. It is believed that for the good deeds performed during Ramadan, Allah rewards believers a hundredfold, bestowing them with prosperity, health and good luck.

Voluntary prayer

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims must read the Koran, devote their time to pious thoughts and actions, work and charity. In addition, to the usual five prayers a day, one more is added - “tarawih”.

"Tarawih" means voluntary prayer, which is performed in the holy month of Ramadan after the night prayer (Isha). "Taraweeh" is an obligatory sunnah (sunnah muakkyada) for both men and women.

The Prophet Muhammad performed this prayer on the 23rd, 25th and 27th nights of the month of Ramadan together with his companions in the mosque. And so that people would not perceive this prayer as obligatory, the prophet did not offer it every day.

After every four rakyaats (the order of words and actions that make up the Muslim prayer), following the example of the companions of the prophet, it is advisable to take a short break. At this time, it is recommended to indulge in reflection about God, praise and remember the Almighty, or listen to a short sermon.

Feast of Breaking the Fast

The holy month of Ramadan ends with the second most important holiday - Eid al-Fitr or the so-called Feast of Breaking the Fast. The holiday begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.

At this time, Muslims should indulge in reflection on spiritual values and rethink life during the period of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is considered a holiday of salvation from hell - a day of love, reconciliation and friendly handshakes. On the holiday, it is customary to visit the disadvantaged and care for the elderly.

The holiday begins at the time of evening prayer. From now on, it is advisable for all Muslims to read “takbir” (the formula for exalting Allah). Takbir is read before performing the festive prayer on the day of the holiday. It is advisable to spend the night of the holiday in all-night service to Allah.

On the holiday, the faithful put on clean clothes, perfume themselves with incense, and put it on their finger. silver ring and, having eaten a little, go early to the mosque to perform the festive prayer.

On the holiday, they pay the obligatory zakat al-fitr or “alms of breaking the fast”, show joy, congratulate each other and wish the Almighty to accept the fast, and also visit relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances and receive guests.

The material was prepared based on open sources

MOSCOW, May 16— RIA Novosti, Natalia Fedotova. Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims. Believers believe that during the days of this month the heavens open and God will definitely hear their prayer. From dawn to dusk, Muslims do not take food or water in order to fulfill the command of the Almighty, which has become one of the five pillars of Islam, to abstain from forbidden things and feel what it is like for the poor who do not have food, and sometimes even drink. About the prescriptions of Ramadan, its features in modern world, about parishioners of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque and the history of fasting by Orthodox believers in a Muslim country - in the RIA Novosti material.

Ramadan - fasting for the strong

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting according to the lunar calendar, lasts 30 days. It falls on different months of the Gregorian calendar, according to which the entire secular world lives, and can come in the spring, as this year, or maybe in summer, autumn or winter. This is a rolling fast (sawm in Arabic). It consists mainly of abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, as well as abstaining from intimate relationships and bad habits. It is obligatory for Muslims from the moment they reach adulthood.

“According to the theological conclusion of the scientists of the Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia and the Council of Muftis of Russia, the month of Ramadan this year begins at sunset on May 15. The first day of fasting is considered to be May 16, when believers begin to abstain from food and drink until sunset. The last day of fasting “On June 14, and Eid al-Adha, the holiday of breaking fast, will be celebrated by Muslims on June 15,” explains the Mufti of Moscow, the chief imam of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Ildar Alyautdinov.

According to him, there are several approaches to determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan. In one case, the decisive factor is the appearance of a new moon in the sky in some corner of the world. On the other hand, witnessing the new moon in your area. Or astronomical calculations are taken as a basis. Because of this, in some regions fasting may begin one day apart. To avoid disagreements, believers in this matter are guided by the local spiritual administration, the religious leader.

Discussing the essence of fasting, the mufti quotes the Koran: “O you who believe! Fasting is the same obligatory requirement for you as for those who came before you. Perhaps you will be God-fearing. Fasting lasts for a few days. And which of you If he is sick or is on the road, he (let him) transfer the fast to other days. Those who cannot make up for it on other days (due to old age or incurable illness) must feed the poor man. , then this is best for him. But if you fast (for example, a traveler who will not be bothered by fasting on the way) - this is best for you, if only you knew! (Holy Quran, 2:183-184).

Fasting, according to the agency’s interlocutor, is also “a cleansing of the body, followed by other positive effects, such as weight loss, healing, getting rid of certain diseases and rejuvenation.”

Not only the spiritual and health benefits, but also the social role of fasting is important. “At this time, when a person experiences hunger and thirst, he enters the state of people who do not have access to food and water.<…>Fasting makes you treat people more mercifully, put yourself in their position, and give more alms. The Koran says: “A person’s wealth and condition will not decrease because he gives mercy, but will only increase,” notes the tour guide of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Vera Repina.

Immutability of prescriptions

Muslims must strictly follow all religious requirements during Ramadan. According to the teachings of Islam, even if a person who misses one day of fasting in the holy month fasts intensely on all subsequent days, he will not be able to make up for the reward that is given by the Almighty for keeping the commandment.

At the same time, there can be no relaxations or changes in the practice of fasting in Islam, taking into account the realities of today’s “consumer” times. “In Islam,” explains Mufti Ildar Alyautdinov, “all prescriptions are aimed at bringing benefits to a person, both spiritual and physical. Fasting is useful in spiritual and social terms, as well as from a medical point of view... The Almighty does not impose on a person beyond his capabilities, as it is repeatedly stated in the Qur'an and Sunnah."

Indeed, with the modern pace of life, fasting, at first glance, may seem difficult. One of the common fears is long daylight hours in the summer, when fasting lasts about 20 hours and only three to four hours are allocated for replenishment. vitality. However, as practice shows, believers successfully manage to overcome psychological and physical discomfort in the first days of Ramadan. “Fasting is unusually light at this blessed time,” notes the mufti.

Relaxations of fasting in Islam apply to travelers, the sick, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and children. If there are health problems or a real threat to life, the fast is redeemed by the so-called fidyah-sadaqah. This is the established amount of daily food in monetary or food equivalent. In 2018, the Council of Ulema of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of Russia determined that fidyah-sadaka is a minimum of 250 rubles and increases depending on a person’s daily diet. Funds for each day of fasting missed for a valid reason are given to those in need personally or through relevant organizations for food.

“What needs to be reviewed is not the instructions of the Almighty - they are wise and unchangeable for all times, but the way of life of a believer throughout the year. This includes physical activity, periodic practice of fasting, sports, healthy eating, and, of course, giving up bad habits. Then the fast will turn out to be easy, unburdensome, comfortable, charging you with a good mood and, most importantly, bestowing the pleasure of the Almighty,” adds the Mufti of Moscow.

"Be optimistic and bring light"

“When a person fasts, his prayer is accepted by the Lord. Therefore, this is a wonderful time. Ramadan is a month of forgiveness and generosity. We wait for it with trepidation and joy. This is the cleansing of the soul from sins and obscene deeds,” says a 29-year-old parishioner of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque Aigul.

We sit without shoes on the blue carpet in the women's section of the mosque, and the conversation turns out to be confidential in a feminine way.

“During this period, people try to take more care of their physical health and nutrition. This is important, since the soul and body are connected.<…>For iftar (evening meal after prayer - editor's note) water, fruits, vegetables, salads, and nuts are recommended. Meat and dough make food heavier and put stress on the digestive tract. Therefore, the emphasis should be on a healthy alkaline diet,” says Aigul.

During fasting, Muslims try to pray more and read the Koran, praising the Creator.

"Prayer must come from the soul, with tears. You cannot despair - this is a sin. Life is multifaceted: there is a black streak, there is a white one, but by going through these life lessons, we become stronger, wiser. The Lord, by leading us through some trials, makes us more competently. Therefore, we must thank Him and be content. We must be optimistic and bring light to life,” the interlocutor continues.

Another parishioner of the mosque, 21-year-old Fatima, emphasizes that Islam is not only about prohibitions. “It is necessary to observe the aurat (covering certain parts of the body - hands, legs. - Ed.), but physical exercise, dancing, swimming are welcome - movement ensures blood flow to the brain. A woman is given many opportunities to be socially active, purposeful, independent, financially independent,” adds Fatima.

Moving on to the topic of charity, the girls cite words from the Koran: “Compete in good deeds.”

“We try to show compassion and mercy to those who need us, to provide support to family and friends. There is war, hunger in Syria now, children cannot study. Many thanks to the Zakat Foundation (a charitable foundation at the mosque - editor's note), they regularly send humanitarian aid to Syria. Muslims in Russia are trying to help. Parishioners donate funds as much as they can. This is what Islam, the religion of peace and goodness, teaches us: empathy for our loved ones. Whoever a person is - Christian, Jew, Muslim - we must show mercy to all people,” explains Aigul.

There are many volunteers in the Zakat Foundation. Those in need are helped with housing and paid for operations.

At the mosque on Poklonnaya Hill, built in honor of fallen Muslim soldiers, every year a “Ramadan Tent” is set up, where everyone is treated to food: both fasting Muslims and those simply coming from the street. Every evening there, as part of educational programs, they talk about the regions where Islam is practiced - in Russia and abroad. So you can come to the evening of Chechnya, Tatarstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey.

“We will pray that Allah will grant someone a husband, someone health. People pray, and wait, and trust in the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord,” concludes Aigul.

Ramadan through the eyes of an Orthodox St. Petersburg woman

Ekaterina’s father is Lebanese, and her mother is from St. Petersburg. She was never Muslim, but while attending school in Lebanon, she observed Ramadan out of respect for the people with whom she lived.

“When I was there, in the 2000s, Ramadan took place in winter. In winter, it is easier to fast because the evening comes earlier. During the daytime hours - from dawn to sunset - you don’t eat or drink anything, you can’t even take a sip. In winter it’s from five in the morning until five in the evening, that is, twelve hours,” recalls Ekaterina.

Why do they fast? “To feel like the poor people who have nothing to eat and sometimes even nothing to drink. In those days, there was a special sense of community,” she replies.

Fasting Muslims say that during the month of Ramadan the heavens are open and all your prayers will be answered. You can fast for someone, if, for example, a relative is sick or you have some desire or request to God, then by your fasting and prayer you must show your fidelity.

When Ramadan just begins, everyone congratulates each other and says: “Ramadan, Kareem!” (“Happy Ramadan!” - Ed.) After all, Ramadan should be spent with joy.

Salt on the eye

“In Lebanon, during the daytime, in order to forget about hunger and thirst, you can wash your face with water. Children, after they come from school (if they wish, fast from the age of seven), can go to bed to while away the hours,” notes Ekaterina.

At sunset, those who fast break their fast. “In ancient times, the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with laban (a type of kefir) and dates, but now the variety of food is amazing. Usually fresh food is prepared every day. Moreover, all dishes are seasoned by eye, so as to taste for salt, or whether the potatoes in the soup are cooked, impossible,” explains the agency’s interlocutor.

Her usual iftar was like this: freshly squeezed orange juice (in Lebanon, oranges are harvested twice a year, so they are inexpensive and very tasty), salad (fattoush or tabbulleh), soup and main course. Then tea or coffee with sweets.

During Ramadan, special sweets are prepared. They are very high in calories to replenish energy lost during the day - and during the fasting period this does not frighten women so much.