Ramadan introduction:
Date: 21 August to 19 September, 2009.
Each year people in Gambia observe the holy month of Ramadan (the
fasting month) and is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year and is
the fourth pillar of Islam.
It has double significance as this is the month that the
 Holy Quran
was revealed to Prophet Muhammad and that night has been called the
Night of Power - Layla-tul Qadr. Devout Gambians Muslims strive to
make themselves pure, especially during this month, by ritual and
spiritual observances.
During
 Ramadan,
Muslims in The Gambia fast from sun-up to sun-down daily, not having
anything to eat, drink, smoke or indulging in sexual relations. A
special feast is prepared for the breaking of the fast, where everyone
present is invited to partake of the dinner after the all-day fast.
It is considered rude-form to eat or drink during the day in
public while others are abstaining from food or drink. If a Muslim
keeps the fast during Ramadan, it means sins he committed the previous
year are forgiven.
The month ends with special festivities on
the Eid al-Fitr (Day of Feasting) called Koriteh
when families and friends truly rejoice for having completed the
commandment of Allah by successful abstinence and by zikr (remembrance
of Allah) at all times.
What is Ramadan?
The word is derived from the Arabic root
word ramida or ar-ramad meaning intense scorching heat and dryness,
especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked
sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" -
to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the
Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when
the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning."
(Muslim)
Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation
in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called
because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun
burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and
souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of
Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the
sun's heat.
Rules & Regulations of Ramadan:
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Gambian Muslim adult.
Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The
intention (niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or
it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is
eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible.
What does not break the fast-
If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should
complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him
drink. (A Hadith from Muslim).
Unintentional vomiting.
Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's
saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.
Brushing the teeth.
Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.
Bathing (Al-Ghusul) -, provided extra caution is taken to
prevent water being swallowed by the mouth or nose.
Colouring
the eyelids, or using eye drops is permitted whether the solution
reaches the throat or not, the reason being the eyes are not the
regular passage for food or nourishment.
Kissing (Qublah) - for
faster who can control himself, for married couples, expressing
affection toward each other by kissing is inevitable. It may take
place any time, day or night.
Rinsing Mouth (Madmadah) - Is
one of the procedures of ablution (wudu). Therefore, the faster is
permitted to rinse his mouth and cleanse his nose by sniffing in water
and blowing it out. However, during fasting the process should be
applied lightly for fear of swallowing water. If water reaches the
throat unintentionally, or without negligence on your parts, the fast
is still valid, but if water is swallowed intentionally, the fast is
nullified.
Who is Exempted from Fasting?
The Sick - Those who are sick but are able to fast must do so.
However, if fasting is detrimental to a person’s health, due to
illness, then this person is not required to fast. Those who have no
hope of recovery are to compensate by paying Fidyah – The feeding of a
needy person for every day missed. Those who are temporarily ill are
to make up the missed days after their recovery before the next
Ramadan.
Travellers - A traveller who will face no difficulty in fasting may
choose not to fast, but fasting in his case is preferable. If,
however, fasting will cause a traveller hardships then it is advised
to take up the favour and concession of Allah granted to him, and
break the fast. The missed days must be made up before the next
Ramadan.
Children - Fasting is not required of children until they reach the
age of puberty. The signs of puberty are: the growth of pubic hair,
the occurrence of wet dreams, and in the case of a female, the
menstrual period. If a person turns the age of fifteen and none of
these signs have appeared, then they are considered to have reached
the age of puberty. Although children are not obligated to fast prior
to puberty, they should be encouraged to fast if there is no fear of
harm as this will train them to fast.
Gambian women who are pregnant or breast
feeding are allowed to break their fast if they fear for their health
or the health of their infant or foetus.
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