Celebrating Ramadan with student Ahmed Alanazi

Ramadan (April 2 – May 2) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri Calendar). The first day of Ramadan starts after one sighting of the crescent moon to the next and is usually 29 or 30 days. Ahmed Alanazi, a fourth-year student at the MUSC College of Pharmacy, shared some insights on this important Islamic observance:

What are Muslims supposed to do during Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims are obligated to fast starting at dawn (nowadays around 5:59 a.m.) till the sun sets (around 7:45 p.m.). During the fasting one abstains from drinking or eating and devotes themselves to all kinds of good deeds. Regarding prayers, Muslims must pray five times a day. However, during Ramadan two additional optional prayers are practiced. These special prayers involve reading long portions of the Qur’an and prayed in pairs (usually six pairs). On the 15th night of Ramadan, children dress in traditional attire and go door-to-door to receive sweets.

What types of food do you eat during Ramadan?

The evening meal that breaks the fast is called Iftar, and the pre-fast meal is called Suhur. Traditionally, three dates are eaten to break the fast, but this is not mandatory. The evening meal, Iftar, is chicken soup, lokma (fried sweet dough), dates, chicken puffs, lamb puffs, murtabak, chicken samosas, beehive buns.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

The day after the second sighting of the crescent moon is called Eid al-Fitr or Eid Day which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Traditionally, Muslims perform the Eid prayer the first thing in the morning in an open area such as fields. Eid is celebrated for three days, and everyone receives gifts.