Ananda is a multicultural community and more and more Ananda is demonstrating its commitment to cultural safety and inclusivity.
Pictured above with some of our residents is our Dementia Care Coordinator at Findon, Syed Noor Basheer, who explains what Ramadan is and the importance of Eid to Muslims.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The most important Muslim practices are the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam.
The Five Pillars consist of:
Believe: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith that there is only one God, and Prophet Mohammed SAW is his Messenger
Prayer: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day
Charity: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy
Fasting: fasting during the month of Ramadan
HAJ: pilgrimage to Mecca
So fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
During the 29/30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up the following things during the hours of daylight:
- Food or drink of any sort
- Smoking, including passive smoking
- Sexual activity
Muslims who are physically or mentally unwell may be excused some of these, as may those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling.
If an adult does not fast for the reasons above they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or make a donation to the poor instead.
Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well.
There are many good reasons for this fast, including:
- Obeying God
- Learning self-discipline
- Becoming spiritually stronger
- Appreciating God’s gifts to us
- Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them
- Realising the value of charity and generosity
- Giving thanks for the Holy Qur’an, which was first revealed in the month of Ramadan
- Sharing fellowship with other Muslims
Once we complete 29/30 days accordingly with above conditions that’s the day of celebration of Eid Festival. A day to meet and greet each other and the day of forgiveness.
Did you know?
In our multifaith rooms at both homes there is a sign which shows Muslim residents or staff which direction to pray towards? This indicates the way to face towards Mecca. Near our multifaith areas are places where residents and staff can wash their hands and feet before prayer if they wish. This is important for Muslims.
Thanks Syed for teaching us about your faith and Eid Mubarak (‘Happy End of Ramadan’) to you and your family!
