Information on Ramadaan?

Question

Hi!! Well, turns out my BF is Turkish and naturally, muslim. We are very happy together but there are still some aspects of Islam that I don't yet know or understand. what is Ramadaan about? I know soon enough he'll fast during daytime for a whole month, but does this holiday have a story behind it? And does every muslim fast, or do secular muslims go a little easier? I am trying to learn here, so please, no barbs. He'll be off to Turkey tomorrow for this holiday to be with his family. Can anyone tell me what it's about and how it's celebrated?? thanks!!

Answer 1

During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

Answer 2

Salam!
Well, Depends on What sort of Muslim he is. If he is secular, he may not fast out of habit. But As a Muslim you have to fast all 30 days in Ramazan. Its a month of Spiritual Cleaness. Everything that is regarded Sin is absoulety Haram. So you can say The responsibility not to Sin becomes even more because we become more aware of our actions during Ramazan. Fast normally start before Dusk and end at dawn. Then we celebrate Eid as a way to Thank God that we learnt the Value of his commands. I hope that helps!