RE: Ramadan Mubarak
Hi sbamsoneu,
I will try to answer your question in the easiest way possible:
Fasting in Islam
Fasting is an obligatory (farz) act during the month of Ramadan (9th Islamic month based on lunar calendar), but it can also be observed voluntarily (nafal) on any day of the year. Muslims who are fasting refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, a duration that varies between 12 to 16 hours depending on their geographical location and also the time of the year. Shorter fasting days in winters and longer fasting days in summers. Why? Because Ramadan keeps shifting throughout the year as the Islamic calendar is lunar-based (as I have mentioned before), Ramadan shifts about 10–12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Over approximately 33 years, it completes a full cycle through all seasons.
The fasting period is determined by the timing of dawn and dusk.
When Does Fasting Begin? (Your question about the timings)
Fasting starts when a person standing outside can distinguish between a white thread and a black thread—symbolizing the first light of dawn and the darkness of night. Practically, this means Muslims begin their fast before the Fajr prayer.
When Is the Fast Broken?
The fast is broken at sundown, at the time of the Maghrib prayer.
I hope this answers your question :)))
Thanks for the clarification on this timing..
Today, they arrested 20 people in one of the sharia states in Nigeria for eating publicly during fasting periods. They call their security “hisbah”. The sharia states even had to close schools mixed with Christians for 5 weeks till Ramadan is over. It is not like the schools are on holidays. This is same states that suffers that has the highest number of illiterates in the country….
If it’s voluntarily, why is northern Nigeria own different ?
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Yes, voluntary fasting can be observed at any time, but the obligatory fasts of Ramadan must be observed strictly within that month.
I will again clarify (as I have done so in my previous comment)
There are two types of fasting:
Obligatory (farz) – This must be observed in the specific month of Ramadan and cannot be done outside of it.
Voluntary (nafl) – This can be observed on any day of the year except for certain restricted days.
This doesn’t happen here. Although eating in public during Ramadan is frowned upon and generally discouraged, one can eat in the privacy of their home or abode. The sanctity of the month discourages public eating.
There are valid reasons for not fasting, such as health conditions, and it is permissible not to fast in such cases. However, out of courtesy and respect for those who are fasting, one should avoid eating openly in public.
Again, this is not the case here.
While school timings may be adjusted for convenience, there are no holidays. In fact, my children are having their annual exams this month, and one of them is also sitting for board exams.
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I’ve a lot to ask, that has brought about religious tension in our country but judging from your replies, I now know that whatever we’re practicing here in Nigeria is not the “religion of peace”, the world always talk about.
Thanks for clearing me in some of this questions..
This is a beautifully written complete text about Ramadan (fasting) and its timing.
May Allah accept the righteous prayers and wishes of all of us during this blessed month.
Ameen.
Happy Ramadan to you.
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