An estimated 870 million people are chronically undernourished and more than three million children die each year because of malnourishment — because 1.35 billion people live on $1.25 each day, even though the world produces enough food to give everyone 2,720 calories every day.
Every year for one blessed month, a quarter of the world’s population zooms in on these facts and remains entirely focused on it. This month is Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar which is based on the lunar cycle. It is a month of reflection and worship, and is characterized by the following:
• Fasting: Muslims around the world will refrain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, but will enjoy both once the sun is gone. The fast is started with a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” and completed with a post-sunset meal called “iftaar.”
• Nightly prayers: In addition to regular prayers, Muslims will travel to mosques near their homes in order to attend these special voluntary prayers called “taraweeh.” They are offered every night and last for an hour or two.
• Increased worship: During this month, many Muslims will choose to do more acts of worship, such as going to the masjid/mosque or reading the Qur’an, while others will try to kick any bad habits they may have developed.
• Charity: The giving of charity is highly recommended in this month, as the blessing is multiplied many times. In addition, every able Muslim is required to give specific alms called “Zakaat-ul-Fitr.” It is worth $10 per every member of the household.
• Volunteering: Muslims also engage more actively in charitable volunteering during this month. Many will volunteer at food banks with their families, while mosques/masjids will open soup kitchens and other such services for the less fortunate.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Allah desires ease for you and he does not desire hardship for you, and [he desires] that you complete the prescribed period [of the fast] and magnify Allah for his guidance to you; that you may be grateful.” (Chapter 2: Verse 185)
In this verse, Allah explains exactly why this month has been prescribed for the people. It encourages them to make small sacrifices, such as not eating, so as to allow them to truly appreciate everything that they have been blessed with. When they are hungry, they realize the blessing of food and drink, a blessing that many people do not and cannot enjoy. It allows the people to reflect on ways of improving their lives while also encouraging them to improve the lives of those who are not as fortunate. It is a blessed month that brings blessings to many households around the world.
May Allah accept all the good we do this month, and may he bless us forevermore.
Maryam Baksh is a first-year student at the University of Victoria studying psychology. She is also a member of the Victorian Muslim community and is active within the local mosque, Masjid al-Iman.
