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Fasting for believers means showing the highest level of dedication to their faith. Source: Profimedia
Fasting for believers means showing the highest level of dedication to their faith. Source: Profimedia

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, came to an end

Do you know the Muslim custom of fasting, not eating, that lasts a whole month? It’s called Ramadan.

Muslims are believers who believe in Islam and the god, Allah. This is not only a religion, but a way of life.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year when strict fasting is mandatory in the Islamic religion.

Fasting for believers means showing the highest level of dedication to their faith.

Fasting during Ramadan is followed all over the world. It is not necessary for younger children – they gradually get used to fasting.

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.

During Ramadan, Muslims read the Koran and fast every day from dawn to dusk.

Eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse are prohibited during this time.

Every evening, as dusk falls, family and friends feast together.

Muslim Cultural Center in Ljubljana.  Photo: Nik Jevšnik/STA
Muslim Cultural Center in Ljubljana. Photo: Nik Jevšnik/STA

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is also symbolic to Muslims. It does not only mean giving up food and drinks, but it also means giving up bad habits, passions, and various goods.

It teaches believers modesty and devotion, therefore, strengthening their health and faith.

This year’s Ramadan, under the motto Family in Ramadan – Ramadan in the family, began on March 23rd and ended on April 20th at sunset.

Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of fasting and a special spiritual time, begins tomorrow, March 21st.

Eid is primarily a family holiday, which is why they really look forward to it.

But Eid doesn’t just mean the end of fasting, during this time extended family and friends gather. They treat themselves to homemade delicacies, among which baklava must not be missing!

Glossary

Baklava is a confection of oriental origin that is rich and very sweet. It consists of several layers of stretched dough. It is filled with walnuts or pistachios and topped with honey or syrup.

Points to Consider

  1. Have you ever heard of Ramadan before?
  2. Do you know where a mosque and a Muslim cultural center are located in Slovenia?
  3. Have you tried baklava yet?

***

The original version of this article was published on April 20th.

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Mateja

je novinarka in mama dveh odraščajočih deklet, ki svoj prosti čas najraje nameni športu. Rada ima sneg, še raje valove, najraje pa pleza nekje v naravi.

Rebecca

Svetina is an English translator, EFL educator, and graphic designer. She is an American who has lived in Slovenia since 2008. She loves hiking and traveling with her family.

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