Ruminating on Ramadan - Article Example

Ruminating on Ramadan An extraordinary feast celebrated annually by Muslims around the world is Ramada. The Islamic Web revealed that “among every four humans in the world, one of them is Muslim”. In Indonesia, almost 95% of the population is Muslims. One can just revel on the amount, time and effort spent in preparation for festivities after a month of fasting and prayers. But what exactly is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, considered as the holiest month of the year.

Muslims around the world ruminate on spiritual matters through fasting and prayers. Unlike any other religion around the world, Muslims dedicated one month of fasting during the daylight hours. Fasting does not only mean abstaining from food – but more so on smoking and sexual relations. It is an opportunity to make amends and be sorry for one’s mistakes – to make peace and to indulge in catharsis or purging and cleansing of one’s mind, body and spirit. Prayers are magnified in intensity and utmost devotion.

During the Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to go to the Masjid (Mosque) to offer prayers and sacrifice. According to Jabbar, a devote Muslim who now works in a private office in Jakarta, “during Ramadan, we focus more on prayers and fasting more than our daily activities. It is a month of meditation for what we have said and done to our neighbors and to ask forgiveness for our wrongdoing.” Shabir, a student at a university in Jakarta, expectantly rejoice in anticipating the end of Ramadan, the Eid al Fitr.

She said that “after a month of daily fasting, sacrifice and prayers, families prepare for the end of Ramadan by giving gifts, eating specially prepared foods, and reuniting with families and friends. It is much like Christmas being celebrated by Catholics, I suppose. I couldn’t wait to open my gifts and to share the blessing with others.” Eid al Fitr, a three day celebration means ‘festival of the fast breaking’. It marks the beginning of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. Muslims take the opportunity to thank Allah for the blessings and strength accorded them to surpass the sacrifices during Ramadan.

Imad Rahim wrote an article on the Ramadan - Eid Ul Fitr Celebrations Across the World which could be accessed online through Suite 101 as he averred that “it is the biggest holiday in Indonesia and Malaysia. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Idul Fitri, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country and traffic mayhem. The night before Idul Fitri is filled with the sounds of many muezzins singing the takbir held in the mosques or mushollahs. Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang and other Indo-Malay delicacies are served during this day” (Rahim, 2010).

The jubilant atmosphere is shared by Muslims all over the world as a commemoration of the end of ruminating on Ramadan. The festivities mark the beginning of a year of hopeful and optimistic endeavors, which could very well be both challenging and rewarding. Another year to look forward to the next Ramadan and the extraordinary rejuvenating Eid al Fitr that rises after it.