Ramadan: Saudi Arabia counters Sultan, says fasting begins tomorrow

The crescent for the holy month of Ramadan has not been sighted in Saudi Arabia, therefore, Saturday will be the first day of fasting in the Kingdom. And Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a time for self-examination, devotion and reading the scriptures, which starts Saturday, gives us a flawless opportunity to come together.

A Malaysian Muslim women is silhouetted after reading the Koran during the holy month of Ramadan inside Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque outside Kuala Lumpur.

Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip, arguments and fighting while they observe self-restraint, self-control and self-discipline during the month. Muslims also abstain from acts such as gossiping, swearing, sexual intercourse, and fighting. It is a means of guarding oneself from evil and sin, and stimulates the purification of body, mind, and soul. Many teachers and classmates do not understand why Muslims fast. This year Ramadan will start on either the 25th or 26th of May depending on the moon sighting.

Truth be told, the physical challenges that come with a month-long fast is the easiest part of observing Ramadan.

Dr Uzma Sarwar continued, “With sleep deprivation and the lack of food and water it is important to know what to eat during non-fasting hours for good health and endurance during the entire month”.

In the fasting time, Muslims focus their mind in the pray and spiritual reflections including the greater study of Quran.

The official date of Ramadan has not decided yet, some Muslim officials said that it will start on May 27. That said, if we look at ballpark figures, a 2015 census of South Africa showed that 2% of the population identify as Muslim. We are not even supposed to kill a fly or destroy a tree unnecessarily.

Isola said Ramadan is a period Muslims and mankind should draw closer to Almighty Allah for forgiveness and blessings. Muslim faithfuls are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam.

“The unknown can lead to fear, and fear can lead to hate”, the Imam said. Within a week of becoming president, he signed an executive order blocking Syrian refugees and travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States, orders that, for now, remain blocked by the judiciary.

“This is probably the best country to practice our religion”, he said. These books are simply a series of reflections by a Christian in conversation with Muslim friends, which I would hope could bring Christians and Muslims together.

Egypt, Malaysia and other countries started Shaban on April 28, and will be sighting Ramadan’s moon on Friday evening. My fasting day is very productive, with work, house chores, prayers, Qur’an recitation, and preparing the iftaar (breaking of fast) meal. “With whatever capability God has given you, you have to make some difference in others than among ourselves”.