It is one week since an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims all over the world including those from Rwanda, began the holy month of Ramadan. 

Most non-Muslims believe that the fasting period begins and ends with depriving oneself of food and drinks. However, Ramadan is way more than that. Below, we bring you a list of thinks you need to know about this holy month. But first;

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar that obliges healthy adult Muslims to abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk. 

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is believed that the Holy Scripture, the Quran, was given to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad during this time.

Islam, which literally means "to submit to God”, is based on ‘Five Pillars’, to which all members must adhere. The first one is the Profession of Faith that states that, "There is only one God and Muhammad is his prophet”.

The other pillars include praying five times a day, sharing their wealth with those less fortunate, fasting during Ramadan and making the pilgrimage to Mecca.

During the Holy Month, it is common for mosques to host large gatherings to break the fast, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar.

However, this year Ramadan will be different, thanks to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana says that while the Muslim community in the country is encouraged to continue helping the less privileged, they are expected to do so within the guidelines issued by the Ministry of health in the effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus

"During the month of Ramadan, we enjoy socialising, mostly breaking the fast together, going for prayers in groups but this year, I call on the Muslim community to stay at home so that they do not endanger themselves or others,” he said.

Who fasts and who doesn’t?

All Muslims who have reached puberty and other adults in good physical and mental health are expected to fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

However, children, the elderly, the disabled, the sick, menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people traveling, athletes during tournaments are exempted.

With the exception of children, these people are expected to fast at a later stage whenever their circumstances improve.

Why does the date vary each year?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning each month begins with the new astronomical moon.

As lunar months are shorter than solar, the Islamic calendar does not correspond with the Gregorian calendar followed in the West which means that Ramadan occurs around 11 days earlier every year.

So what does else do the rules if Ramadan say?

Fasting is an exercise in self-restraint. It’s seen as a way to physically and spiritually detoxify by kicking impulses.

On smoking

Just the same way a fasting Muslim gives up on food and drink for particular hours, he or she is also not allowed to smoke during those hours. However, a Muslim with a smoking habit may light up one when he or she breaks the fast.

On fornication

The act of playing sex between two people who are not legally married is called fornication. Like any other religions, Islam does not allow fornication but doing it during the month of Ramadan is considered even more harmful to a Muslim’s relationship with Allah than during the other ordinary days.

It is important to note that according to the teachings of Islam, no matter how long you have been staying with your partner, as long as your union is not legalized, the sex you have is also considered fornication.

Similar to fornication, engaging in sexual intercourse outside one’s official marriage is strongly discouraged.

On sexual intercourse

If your marriage is legal, then you are permitted have sex during the month of Ramadan.

However, sexual intercourse between legally married couples can only do this after breaking the fast. You cannot have sex during the day.

On violence

No matter the situation, Muslims are taught to avoid anything that can lead them into violence or unnecessary squabbles. The Islam teachings especially call on believers during the month of Ramadan to control the actions of their hands, mouth and the tongue.

On grudges

The month of Ramadan is about forgiving and asking for forgiveness. As a Muslim, you are required to use the holy month of fasting to also forgive yourself and completely do away with grudges.

On gossip

Gossiping is very common and it’s not gender specific. Gossip is one other act you have to be extra careful about especially during this holy month of Ramadan and Islam teachings are specific on this matter.

"Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari).

The end of Ramadan

Depending on when the new moon is sighted, Lunar months last between 29 to 30 days. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th day, then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days.

This year, the Eid al-Fitr celebration, which mark the end of a successful Ramadan is expected to fall between May 22 and May 23.