Ramadan is a month of self-reflection and control that is very important in the Muslim calendar. Muslims have traditionally fasted during the day and are encouraged to strengthen their devotion. Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. It's supposed to be a time of spiritual discipline, deep reflection on one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased generosity and intense Quran study.
However, if that makes it sound overly serious and lengthy, it isn't. It's a time for joy and celebration, to be shared with loved ones. Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, is a large three-day celebration at the end of Ramadan. It's similar to the Muslim version of Christmas like a religious holiday during which everyone gathers for large meals with family and friends, exchanges gifts, and generally enjoys themselves. In the Philippines, wherein Islam is the second most popular religion, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is home to 60% of the Muslim people (ARMM).
What is a day like during Ramadan?
Muslims fast during Ramadan, rising early to eat the first meal of the day, which must last until sunset. This entails consuming a lot of high-protein foods and drinking as much water as possible until morning, when you are not allowed to eat or drink anything. They perform the morning prayer in the early hours.
Muslims are not supposed to skip work, school, or any other daily obligations merely because they are fasting. Businesses and schools in many Muslim nations, on the other hand, may limit or close their hours during the day. Muslims, for the most part, go about their everyday lives normally, despite not being able to eat or drink anything for the entire day.
When the call to prayer is eventually made in the evening, many people go to the mosque for the evening prayer, which is followed by a special Ramadan prayer.
Ramadan Traditions and Practices
1. Fasting
Fasting is supposed to remind Muslims of those who are less fortunate and to emphasize the importance of being appreciative. Fasting throughout the month of Ramadan is required for all healthy adult Muslims as one of Islam's five pillars, or responsibilities.
2. Iftar and Suhur
The fast is broken with a meal called iftar after the sun sets. Iftar is a generous meal that begins with dates and sweet beverages to provide fasting Muslims an immediate energy boost. Iftar is commonly eaten with friends and extended family in their homes or mosques. The iftar is frequently started with dates or apricots, water, or sweetened milk, as it was Muhammad's tradition. Meanwhile, families eat suhur, a traditional Ramadan food breakfast eaten before the sun rises.
2. Taraweeh or Nightly Prayer
Ramadan is the month in which Allah met the prophet Mohammed and gave him the passages of the sacred book, or Qu'ran, according to legend. As a result, Ramadan prayer is very essential. Whether or not Ramadan is observed, Muslims do midnight prayers, but the taraweeh, or Ramadan nightly prayer, bears more significance. After a day of fasting, the midnight prayer is meant to cleanse the soul of any sins that have been committed earlier. In this sense, midnight prayer is an integral part of Ramadan traditions.
3. Must say “Takbeer” before and the end of Fasting
Muslims say takbeer towards the conclusion of Ramadan and before breaking the fast. The takbeer is a declaration that says there is nothing bigger or greater than Allah in the world. When a Muslim completes a significant duty in Ramadan, he or she says Takbeer. Takbeer is an indication that the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations have begun. It's a joyous declaration of faith and achievement.
4. Celebration of Eid al Fitr
Muslims all throughout the globe light candles and decorate their homes. "Fanoos," tin and colored glass lanterns, are used to decorate streets and mosques in Egypt. This can be celebrated at home or even at a condo living. People dress up in their best clothing, illuminate their homes with lights, offer sweets to the youngsters, and visit with friends and family throughout the celebration. People cooked delicious meals like Piyaparan, a popular traditional Ramadan food made of chicken or yellow fin cooked in coconut milk, shredded coconut flesh, and palapa, with a garnish of caramelized shallots, ginger, and chili peppers. Many people believe that Eid al-Fitr is marked by a spirit of kindness and thankfulness. Ramadan is a month when charity and good actions are prioritized.
Prepare your home for Ramadan
Clean and organize your home
A clean and tidy home is relaxing at any time of year, but especially during Ramadan. A nice setting might aid in your concentration when praying or doing other household tasks. This time of year, stick to the "less is more" idea and get creative with the space you have. It's one of the most effective methods to get your home ready for Ramadan.
Get ready with your Ramadan essentials and food
Prepare all of the ingredients you'll need for Suhur and Iftar during Ramadan by stocking your refrigerator and pantry. You can enjoy the month without any additional worry if you plan ahead. If you want to keep your family healthy throughout Ramadan, make Iftar and Suhur more nutritious. Serve your main dish with fresh salad greens and vegetables instead of processed items.
Make a place for Worship
For many Muslims, going to the mosque to pray tarawih has long been a part of their daily Ramadan practice. It's an important element of the blessed month's ethos, and it's one of the things that makes Ramadan seem so special. If you cannot go out, there's no reason we can't replicate the atmosphere of Ramadan at a condo living. Create a dedicated room in your house for worship and treat it with the reverence required to a mosque. Ensure that it is a quiet, distraction-free environment where you may focus on individual or collective worship with your family.
If you are staying in Metro Manila who just wants a cozy and quiet condo living for an annual peaceful Ramadan, you may check out Vista Residences project. Several properties are available around the Metro that can surely tap your taste. There are pre selling condos in Manila like Sky Arts and Kizuna Heights if you're planning to move in the future. Wil Tower in Quezon City might go to your liking as it serves as an urban sanctuary in harmony with city life. What’s most important is having a place that can provide you a peaceful haven in times of Ramadan.
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