Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, started when the crescent moon emerged on Mach 23. Billions of Muslims then stopped consuming food and drink. Fasting, also known as “Sawm,” makes up one of the five pillars of Islam. As an aspect of that, Muslims fast for an entire month. And it happens during the hours of sunrise and sunset in a bid to cleanse themselves. And mainly draw them nearer to God. If Ramadan is something you’re not very familiar with but you’ve heard a lot about it, keep reading. We’ll tell you which of those things are true and which are not. Continue reading to know the common myths about Fasting and Ramadan.
Common myths about Fasting and Ramadan:
Myth #1: Ramadan is only about abstaining from food and drink
Of course, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan plays a significant role. But there are several other aspects to it as well. Muslims should place a priority on character development in addition to abstaining from all forms of sin. If you are easily angered, you must be lacking in patience, right? Ramadan is a good time to work on breaking bad habits like anger. Or really any other character flaw you may have. The emphasis should be on developing a relationship with Allah rather than harbouring any kind of excessive worldly attachments.
The purpose of fasting is lost if a person refrains from eating and drinking but is still rude and unkind. Yes, their fast is acceptable in terms of the law. But other than the sensation of hunger and thirst, they haven’t achieved anything from it.
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Myth #2: You cannot swallow your own saliva while fasting
Even some Muslims have this as their core belief. However, you can definitely swallow your own saliva. Everyone swallows occasionally and unconsciously throughout the day; it is a natural process for humans. A reflex like that would not be a reason for breaking our fast, according to Allah. While it’s important to avoid letting saliva build up in your mouth while swallowing, normal swallowing is not a problem.
Myth #3: Muslims can conveniently lose weight during Ramadan
Ramadan is not intended to help you slim down. Additionally, just because you go 13 to 16 hours without eating does not mean you will succeed. We almost always overeat at iftar time as a result of the starvation of fasting, which can result in weight gain. You will definitely lose weight if you watch what you eat and get some exercise. However, losing weight is not a normal occurrence, and Muslims shouldn’t make it their main focus during Ramadan.
Myth #4: Your fast is broken if you accidentally eat
Do you understand the beauty that is Islam? We could basically go to Dominos and eat an entire pizza while totally forgetting that we were supposed to be fasting and it wouldn’t break the fast once we remembered. However, breaking the fast and sinning by consuming even a single crumb of bread while we are supposed to fast is forbidden. On occasion, it comes naturally to us to take a few chips off a friend’s plate or a few grapes from the bowl on the way outside. Even though we need to work hard to restrain these instinctual behaviours, if they do so unintentionally, the fast will still hold. Simply try to spit out any leftovers before continuing your fast.
Myth #5: Every Muslim, without exception, is required to fast
There is no absolute requirement that all Muslims must fast without exception. Adult Muslims who are in good health may only fast. There are several people who are not required to fast. While some must make up their fasts on other days, others are exempt from doing so. People in the following categories don’t have to observe fasts:
● Women who are pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding. They will have to compensate for the fasts later.
● People suffering from chronic illnesses. They are exempt from being obligated to fulfil the fasts because the condition will always be with them.
● It is not necessary for people who take pills to fast. Except if the medication period can be safely changed and taken during the times when fasting is not needed.
● Young children do not need to fast because they are not yet required to follow Islamic rules.
● The elderly and frail.
Myth #6: Non-Muslims are not permitted to eat in the presence of Muslims who are fasting
Non-Muslims should be applauded for being mindful of their food habits when near Muslims. However, it is not required. Please refrain from making it difficult for the nearby non-Muslims by suggesting they eat somewhere else. You have more self-control than letting the food in front of you tempt you. The same is true for households that do not allow women/girls to eat normally when they are menstruating. You are meant to work on your mental strength this Ramadan. Not asking menstruating women/girls to stay hidden while eating.
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