Answers to Common Questions about Ramadan
Why do Muslims observe Ramadan? Is it possible to drink water? Is it 30 days of fasting?
This weekend is Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and it’s the fifth year I’ve shared this celebration with Biko, my Muslim husband.
I come from Argentina, a country that, while it has a strong Arab influence, doesn’t have a significant Islamic religious presence outside of major cities. The word Arab (from the Arab world) is not synonymous with the word Muslim (someone of the Islamic faith), and many of the Syrian and Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Argentina in the early 20th century were Arab Christians. In Junín, my hometown, there are no Muslims or mosques, and until I went to the United States on a scholarship in 2016, I hadn’t met any Muslim person. Today, almost ten years later, I have Muslim friends from Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, and my entire in-law family is from Yemen.
My non-Muslim friends and family are often curious about the cultural and religious differences between Biko and me, particularly during Ramadan when they discover it involves fasting. Their questions sometimes highlight gaps in my own knowledge, inspiring me to learn more each year.
These are some of the most common questions I receive:
Do they fast for a whole month? How do they go 30 days without eating?
No, they fast every day from dawn until sunset. When the sun sets, they break the fast and eat normally during the night. The last meal before sunrise is called sahur, and the meal after sunset is called iftar. Depending on the time zone and geographic location, the number of fasting hours varies. For example, Iceland and Finland have the longest fasting hours this year, between 19 and 20 hours. But Chile, Argentina, and South Africa have fasting hours ranging between 11 and 13 hours.
Can they drink water during the day?
No. The fast is complete—neither liquids nor food during the day. However, there are exceptions. Children and people who are ill, menstruating, or traveling are exempt from fasting.
Why do they observe Ramadan?
It is one of the five pillars of Islam, similar to the seven sacraments in Catholicism. It is celebrated every year in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is a month of reflection, prayer, and fasting. Another of the pillars is Zakat, giving to charity, and while one can help throughout the year, many Muslims during Ramadan donate 2.5% of their savings to those in need in their communities.
How do they go about normal daily activities without eating or drinking water?
In Muslim countries, routines are shifted during Ramadan. Work starts later, and businesses open during the early morning hours when people are active and awake. TV shows offer special Ramadan programming, and prime time is at sunset when families gather to break the fast. There are often 30-day miniseries that everyone watches and discusses during this month. In several countries, school hours are reduced, or they adjust the calendar so that Ramadan falls during vacation.
What is Ramadan like without being Muslim?
Sharing Ramadan with Biko is a constant learning experience. My fasting is imperfect—there are days I can manage it and days I can’t—but I greatly enjoy preparing traditional meals, decorating the house1, and gathering with family and friends for iftar every evening at sunset.
It’s like celebrating Christmas for 30 consecutive days!🎄
Curious to know more? Feel free to ask me or a Muslim friend, colleague, or neighbor in your area. No question is too simple, too personal, or unwelcome.
To all my Muslim friends and family, Eid Mubarak!🌙
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Until next time!
Maria Pia
In Argentina, decorating homes for holidays is traditionally reserved for Christmas. But in other parts of the world, I’ve discovered so many celebrations where homes are beautifully transformed with decorations throughout the year. It’s fascinating how diverse and creative holiday decorations can be across cultures! Ramadan decorations often include warm lighting, crescent moons, stars, and lanterns, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you haven’t seen a house decorated for Ramadan, I suggest checking out Pinterest. Isn’t it beautiful?