Written by Theresa Corbin

Last year, instead of droning on and on about what Ramadan is to me, I decided to let my brothers and sisters chime in. I questioned high and low all who came in my path about all things Ramadan and served up answers in a series called “Humans of Ramadan”.

This week, we revist the series Parts 1- 4

Part 1 Humans of Ramadan

In this part, I asked the tough questions like what is Ramadan? why is Ramadan? where is Ramadan?

Andi Monterosso de Ferrera said

Ramadan is the blessed month that the Holy Quran was revealed to our beloved prophet Muhammad (swt). Ramadan is a gift from Allah (swt) to show us that NOTHING is impossible! If we Muslims can forgo food and water (when clearly food and water are permissible to intake) just because Allah said we should for one month, then all other things that are not permissible should be a cinch to avoid!!! It’s training for your heart and soul.!!! I love Ramadan.

Read more from Part 1 humans (here)

Part 2 Humans Who Can’t Fast

Then I asked how do Muslims who cannot fast still take part in the holy month of Ramadan?  Here’s what some humans who can’t fast had to say.

Julia Bernard said

My name is Julia from the UK, 32 and a revert of 7 years. I am a mum to 2 boys, ages 4 and 1. […] I am pregnant with my 3rd child, in the first trimester [and unable to fast].

My son is 4 and he is now able to understand Islam and life a little bit more. So we are doing plenty of crafts, reading, making decorations, [and] Ramadan calender. He also helps me cook food for his dad’s iftar [the meal at sunset that breaks the fast].

We are also memorizing duas [supplications] too. I am drawing nearer to God by limiting all things that may distract me. My advice to others in my situation is to let go of the guilt [of not fasting]. Once we realise that there is more to fasting in Ramadan, it will feel less stressful and then we can make the most of such a blessed month.

Read more from Part 2 humans (here)

 

Part 3 Experiences of Humans May Vary

Then I tried to get a sense of what it is like to experience Ramadan and fast in different places around the world. I ask the Humans of Ramadan how their experience varied … depending on location.

Papatia Feauxzar said

I hail from a country around north and west Africa. I love the atmosphere in a majority Muslim country. It’s just different. Muslims and non-Muslims are excited about the month alike.

Muslims make it their number one goal to make the month special. And daily, they jostle to go the extra mile to pray on time, to plan a good iftar, to clean their homes and steam them with the best incenses they can find, to listen to Qur’anic recitals, and recite the Quran if they can read it. They try to act better.

Non-Muslims are excited because they’re usually invited to iftardinners. Muslim women outdo themselves culinary during Ramadan. And who doesn’t like a good dinner and dishes that are only made during Ramadan? […]

Read more from Part 3 humans (here)

 

Part 4 Humans Who Forgive

Finally, I asked the Humans of Ramadan how they not only give up food and drink but also give up anger and grudges during Ramadan.

Abu Mariam said

I know that I am not perfect. But sometimes people do things that are just so intentionally hurtful that it tries even my forgiving nature.

My brother is one of those people. He really tries my forgiving nature. He is the kind of person that you just don’t know where his intentions are coming from. He can, at one moment be caring and sincere and the next, cunning and disingenuous.

His bad intentions came out in a big way the summer before my last year of college. I had gotten great news that I was chosen for a very promising internship that I had been working toward since my freshman year. It just so happened to be in the same city that my brother lived in. So [I] crashed at his place during the summer internship [… to …] save some money for my final year in college.

He seemed glad to have me at first. We hung out and had a good time. Then he started asking for money. I didn’t mind giving it to him. But the more I gave, the more he asked.

 

[…]I realized that he is a trial for me. And I forgave him completely, knowing that forgiveness and trust are two different things.

Read more from Part 4 humans (here)

 

Follow us (upper right of the page). Email us (islamwich@yahoo.com). Like our face with your face on Facebook (facebook.com/islamwich). Tumble with us on Tumblr (islamwich.tumblr.com). Pin with us (pinterest.com/islamwich). Follow us on twitter (@islamwich).

Like the post, share it, pin it, comment on it, and/or do whatever social media magic it is that you prefer. Find out more about us in the understandably named “About” page and browse other posts in “Table of Contents”.