With Ramadan now over and the month of Shawwal now beginning, some may start to discard those resolutions that they followed so strongly during the month. This specific year saw a return to normality, with it taking place soon after Covid, allowing Muslims to attend community prayer and enjoy those elaborate feasts once again However, it’s important to remember what the month means and what lessons it provides, and try to implement them into our daily lives.

 

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and comes from the Arabic word for ‘scorching heat’. Its origins date all the way back to 622 AD, in which the first Muslims observed fasting in order to appreciate what they have and acknowledge the hardships of those who might not have as ready access to food. The month also holds importance in the fact that Muslims believe this month was the one in which Prophet Muhammed first received the Quran, more precisely being during one of the odd nights on the last ten days of Ramadan. The fast is obligatory for all adult Muslims (it should be noted that during this time, there was no such thing as teenagers, and so fasting essentially affects anyone above the age of puberty) except for those who are/ have:

 

Have an acute or chronic illness.

Travelling.

Menstruating.

Pregnant.

Breastfeeding.

Children.

The elderly.

 

The same rules still apply 1400 years later, and the fast is observed by 1.9 billion people worldwide. 

 

So what lessons can we learn from the month, and how can we implement it into our day-to-day lives?

 

Self-restraint. This lesson is the main component of Ramadan altogether, as during the month, Muslims abstain from drinking, eating and any other immoral activities. These can also be implemented in our daily lives too - we can also try to refrain from doing anything quite immoral, such as arguing and swearing, and many Muslims also use Mondays and Thursdays to fast throughout the year and keep this lesson close.

 

Charity. Although not compulsory, many Muslims use the month to give back what they can, as the month also keeps close focus on understanding what the less fortunate might have to go through on a daily basis. As such, many Muslims donate money to their local Mosque or to charities, and so this is also a simple lesson which we can continue doing throughout the year.

 

Appreciation. The month provides Muslims with the chance to really understand what we have, and learn not to take anything for granted. By physically understanding what those with a lack of access to food experience, Muslims can better appreciate what surrounds them and enjoy the things that others may not be able to.

 

These three factors prove to be quite impactful during the holy month, and can definitely be implemented into our daily lives to ensure that these formative lessons don’t escape us during the rest of the year.