Why do Muslims fast?

In the fight against excess weight, most of us have experienced some form of abstinence from food. The abundance of diets today allows you to choose the one that you like: sugar-free, water, fruit ... But a complete rejection of food from dawn to dusk throughout the month can cause surprise and bewilderment. Especially when entire nations are fasting: young and old, poor and rich, adults and children. What else, besides a shortened working day, is the beauty of Ramadan? Isn't such a post too harsh? Maybe in Ramadan Muslims barely touch work, only fast and sleep during the day? Do they sleep at night and feast? What is the point of this month?

Fasting is prescribed in every religion

In Russian, fasting means voluntary abstinence from a certain type of food, or food in general, observed by believers. Fasting is practiced in almost all religions of the world. For example, in Hinduism. "Upavaasa" - fasting of pious Hindus on special occasions, as a sign of reverence for personal gods and repentance. This tradition is followed by most devout Hindus. On fasting days, they either do not eat anything, or get by with fruits, simple light food ... The Jews fast on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement, celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Tishrei, completing ten days of repentance). On this day, it is forbidden to eat, drink, bathe, wear leather clothes and shoes, and have sexual intercourse. In addition, the ban on work, as on Shabbat, also applies to Yom Kippur. And Moses (peace be upon him), according to the Torah, also fasted:

“And Moses stayed there with the Lord forty days and forty nights, neither eating bread nor drinking water” (Exodus 34:28)

Catholics fast during Great Lent as a symbol of the forty-day fast of Jesus (peace be upon him). In the fourth century, a weekly fast preceded Easter or Holy Week. And already in the seventh century, this fast was extended to forty days. The New Testament mentions the fasting of Jesus (peace be upon him):

“…and having fasted forty days and forty nights, he became hungry at last” (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:3)

This is what the Lord means when he says in the Quran:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for your predecessors, so that you may be afraid” (Quran 2:283)

One of the best righteous deeds

Whereas in most religions fasting is observed as a cleansing from sins, in Islam this type of worship has a different goal - approaching God. The recognition of the Lord precedes righteousness, and therefore, fasting is of great importance in Islam. When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked:

"Which business is the best?" He replied: “Fasting, for nothing compares to it.”(Al-Nasai)

Fasting in Islam has many levels. Even doing the same thing, Muslims fast in different ways. In other words, fasting is observed at different levels. Below we will discuss some of the main levels.

Different sides of the post

ritual level

A person at this level observes all the rules of fasting: abstains from food, drink and sexual intercourse for 29-30 days annually. A person at this level does not discern the spiritual side of fasting. This is the lowest level that must be present for fasting to be considered correct from an Islamic point of view. Of course, there is also a spiritual advantage at this level - for following the prescription of God. However, don't be content with just that. After all, fasting is much more than just observing traditions. And the ritual level cannot serve as a cleansing of the soul from sins.

"Physical" level

At this level, a person also seeks to receive physical benefits from fasting, i.e. get rid of excess weight, improve well-being. Naturally, he does not abuse food. The pangs of hunger and thirst make a person think about fasting, as it should be according to the Sunnah. Before dawn, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) took only light food, and interrupted the fast with a moderate amount of food. He carefully avoided overeating. As it came in the hadith:

“Never has a man filled a vessel worse than his own womb! A few pieces of food are enough for the son of Adam, thanks to which he will be able to maintain his strength, and if it is inevitable for him to eat more, let a third of his stomach be for eating, a third for drinking, and another third for ease of breathing ”(Ibn Maja).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to break his fast with a few fresh or dried dates and a glass of water right before the start of the prayer. At this level, hunger and thirst during fasting generates a sense of compassion for the starving and dying of thirst and hunger in other parts of the world.

Medicinal properties of fasting

On a physical level, fasting affects neurotransmitter- a chemical transmitter of impulses between nerve cells, and contributes to the release endorphin- the hormone of happiness. This is similar to the effect of physical exercise. Doctors have also confirmed the beneficial effects of fasting on health. For example, during fasting, the human body uses up accumulated cholesterol, which reduces the risk of a heart attack. The difference between ritual level 1 and physical level 2 is that fasting 1 can eat a lot on suhoor(food taken before sunrise to maintain strength throughout the day) and iftar(breaking the fast), and not feel hunger and thirst all month of Ramadan. But fasting at level 2 cannot be considered complete either. Without the spiritual side, fasting can turn into a simple exhaustion of the body. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

« A person may get nothing from fasting but hunger and thirst.”(Ibn Maja).

Fasting levels: libidinal, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

libidinal level

At this level, a person learns to cope with the sexual instinct and arousal. Today, when the media uses a person's sexual desires as an opportunity to promote and sell certain products, the ability to control oneself is especially important. Fasting contributes not only to the physical but also to the mental reduction of arousal, since the fasting person is forced to avoid everything that can cause sexual desire. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The youth! May those of you who can marry do it! Because it will save the eye from sin and help to remain pious. Whoever is unable to do this, let him fast. Because it will help him overcome his temptation. » (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Those who are able to restrain themselves from permitted intimacy during fasting will not find it difficult to refrain from prohibited sexual intercourse outside of fasting.

Emotional level

Here a person learns to keep locked up the negative emotions languishing in the head and heart. As you know, one of the most destructive feelings is anger. Fasting helps to cope with it. As the hadith says:

“When one of you is fasting, let him avoid unseemly deeds and useless talk. And if someone starts offending him or arguing with him, let him say: “I will fast” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

So, at this level, a fasting person should refrain from all kinds of negative emotions: meaningless conversations and heated arguments. Even if the fasting person is convinced that he is right, by leaving the dispute, he will only win. During fasting, it is easy to tame even jealousy and envy, since everyone follows the same precept and no one can stand out in any way.

Psychological level

The psychological level helps to cope with stinginess and greed. The Messenger of Allah reported:

“Allah needs neither hunger nor thirst for a person who does not restrain himself from lying even while fasting.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

In our age, when, it would seem, everything in the world is called upon to satisfy any needs and wishes of a person, and, moreover, immediately, the ability to delay receiving pleasure or reward is truly a great thing. This is where patience is required. Fasting is a great opportunity to learn patience.

According to psychologists, sometimes it is useful to abstract from the material goods of this world. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a life of full prosperity, just the mundane should not become the main thing in our existence. And fasting just helps to get rid of such addictions. Food, for example, is a pleasure for many. For such people, abstaining from it, if not a feat, then a very big plus, which means a sense of contentment with their own restraint.

Spiritual Level

The highest and most important level. The level where a person feels a connection with God. To climb it, you need to renew your intention before each day of fasting. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“If a person does not intend to fast before dawn, then his fast will not be counted” (Abu Dawud)

We renew our intention every day, which means that every day we re-set ourselves to observe the fast. Thus, fasting is not limited to external abstinence from food, but turns into something spiritual. It is at this level that fasting purifies the souls of people. Hadith:

“Whoever fasts in Ramadan sincerely and strives to receive a reward from God, his former sins will be forgiven”

« Between one and the other Ramadan - atonement for sins»

Sincere fasting brings you closer to the Lord. A special reward has been prepared for him. The Messenger of Allah reported about the gate in Paradise called Ryan, through which the fasting people will pass:

"In Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are open" (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Fasting initially occurs only between a person and God, because no one can know for sure that he is fasting. The Prophet Muhammad reported the words of the Lord about this:

“Every act of the sons of Adam is for themselves, except for fasting. Fasting is only for Me, and only I will reward him for this. (Sahih Muslim)

The spiritual level, having united with the rest, changes a person from the inside: it revives his spirituality and transforms his essence. Such is the great reward for having a sincere conviction and having God in your heart.

On the first day of the new month, after the appearance of the new moon, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In the early morning they perform a full bath, put on their best clothes and rush to the common prayer. Then they visit relatives and friends. Also on this day, it is customary to give alms to the needy - Zakat al-Fitr (a certain amount of the most common food in the area).

Muslims fast not only on Ramadan. six days of the month shaual, every Monday and Thursday, the ninth and tenth or tenth and eleventh of the month of Muharram are the days on which it is also desirable to fast. Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram is shared by Muslims (Ashura) and Jews (Yom Kippur). To be different from the People of the Book, God commanded Muslims to fast two days in a row (not just that day).

While fasting in itself is considered one of the best forms of worship in Islam, continuous fasting is as forbidden as monasticism, celibacy, or any other form of complete renunciation of the world. Fasting on the days of two holidays - Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice) - is strictly prohibited.

Dr. Bilal Philips

(meaning): “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for your predecessors - perhaps you will be afraid. You have to fast for a few days. And if any of you is sick or on a journey, then let him fast the same number of days at another time. And those who are able to fast with difficulty should feed the poor in expiation. And whoever does a good deed voluntarily, so much the better for him. But you'd better fast if you only knew! In the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was sent down - guidance for the people, clear evidence of guidance and discernment. Those of you whom this month finds must fast. And if someone is sick or on a journey, then let him fast the same number of days at another time. Allah desires ease for you and He does not desire hardship for you.

He wants you to complete a certain number of days and praise Allah for having guided you to a straight path. Perhaps you will be grateful... You are allowed to have intercourse with your wives on the night of the fast. Your wives are your garment, and you are their garment. Allah knows that you betray yourselves (disobey Allah and have sexual intercourse with your wives at night during fasting in Ramadan), and therefore He accepted your repentance and forgave you. From now on, enter into intimacy with them and strive for what Allah has prescribed for you. Eat and drink until you can distinguish the white thread of dawn from the black, and then fast until night ... "(Sura "al-Baqarah", verses 183-187).

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During the holy month of the Muslim calendar, which is called Ramadan in Arabic, or Ramadan in Turkish, Muslims are required to observe a strict fast - limit yourself to drinking, eating and intimacy.

Following the rules of Ramadan, mature people give up their passions. This is how they get rid of negativity.

The post ends with the great holiday of Uraza-Bayram.

Features and Traditions of Ramadan Fasting - What Are Iftar and Suhoor?

fasting believers test the strength of the human spirit. Compliance with the rules of Ramadan makes a person comprehend his way of life, helps to determine the main values ​​in life.

During Ramadan, a Muslim must restrict yourself not only in food, but also carnal satisfaction of their needs, as well as other addictions - for example, smoking. He must learn control yourself, your emotions.

Observing simple fasting rules, every believing Muslim should feel poor and starving, since the available benefits are often perceived as ordinary.

It is forbidden to swear in Ramadan. There is an opportunity to help the needy, the sick and the poor. Muslims believe that prayers and monthly abstinence will enrich everyone who follows the tenets of Islam.

There are two main prescriptions for fasting:

1. Follow the rules of fasting sincerely from dawn to dusk
2. Completely refrain from your passions and needs

And here are a few conditions for what a fasting person should be:

• Over 18 years old
• Muslim
• not insane
• Healthy physically

There are those for whom fasting is contraindicated, and they have the right not to observe it. These are minor children, the elderly and pregnant women, as well as those women who are menstruating or going through the time of postpartum cleansing.

Fasting Ramadan has several traditions

We list the most important:

Suhoor

Throughout Ramadan Muslims eat early in the morning, even before dawn. They believe that Allah will greatly reward such an action.

During the traditional suhoor don't overeat but you should eat enough food. Suhoor gives strength for the whole day. It helps Muslims to stay sane and not be angry, as hunger often causes anger.

If a believer does not perform suhoor, then his day of fasting remains in force, but he does not receive any reward.

Iftar

Iftar is evening meal, which is also performed during fasting. You need to start breaking the fast immediately after sunset, that is after the last day(or the fourth, penultimate prayer on that day). After Iftar follows Isha - night prayer of Muslims(the last of the five obligatory daily prayers).

What you can not eat in the post of Ramadan - all the rules and prohibitions

What to eat during Suhoor:

• Doctors recommend eating complex carbohydrates in the morning - cereal dishes, sprouted grain bread, vegetable salad. Complex carbohydrates provide the body with energy, despite the fact that they are digested for a long time.
• Dried fruits - dates, nuts - almonds and fruits - are also suitable.

What not to eat during Suhoor

• Avoid protein foods. It takes a long time to digest, but loads the liver, which works without interruption during fasting.
• Should not be used
• You can not eat fried, smoked, fatty foods in the morning. They will cause unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys.
• Refrain from eating fish during Suhoor. After it you want to drink

What not to eat in the evening after adhan

• Fatty and fried foods. It will harm health - cause heartburn, deposit extra pounds.
• Eliminate from food fast food- various cereals in bags or noodles. You won’t get enough of them and literally in an hour or two you will want to have a meal again. In addition, such products will cause appetite even more, as they contain salt and other spices.
• You can't eat sausage and sausages. It is better to exclude them from your diet during the fast of Ramadan. Sausages affect the kidneys and liver, satisfy hunger for only a few hours, and are also able to develop thirst.

Despite prohibitions and strict rules, there are benefits from fasting.:

• Rejection of carnal passions
  A person must understand that he is not a slave of his body. Fasting is a serious reason to give up intimacy. Only by refraining from sinful things can a person preserve his purity of soul.
• Self improvement
  By observing fasting, the believer is more attentive to himself. He gives birth to new character traits, such as humility, tolerance, obedience. Feeling poverty and deprivation, he becomes more resilient, gets rid of fear, more and more begins to believe and learn what was previously hidden.
• Gratitude
  Having gone through the refusal of food, a Muslim becomes closer to his Creator. He realizes that the innumerable blessings that Allah sends are given to man for a reason. The believer gains a sense of gratitude for the gifts sent.
• An Opportunity to Experience Mercy
  Fasting reminds people of the poor, and also calls to be merciful and help those in need. Having gone through this test, the believer remembers kindness and humanity, as well as the fact that everyone is equal before God.
• frugality
  Fasting teaches people to be economical, limit themselves and curb their desires.
• Strengthens health
  The benefit to the physical state of human health is manifested in the fact that the digestive system is resting. In a month, the intestines are completely cleansed of toxins, toxins and harmful substances.

Holy Ramadan timetable until 2020 - when does Ramadan fast start and end?

IN 2015 Ramadan will begin on June 18 and end on July 17.

Here are the dates of Holy Ramadan:

2016– from June 6 to July 5.
2017– from May 26 to June 25.
2018- from May 17 to June 16.
2019- from May 6 to June 5.
2020 from April 23rd to May 22nd.

Breaking the Ramadan Fast - Actions Breaking the Muslim Ramadan Fast and Punishments

It is worth noting that the rules of fasting Ramadan are valid only during the daytime. Some acts committed during fasting are considered forbidden.

Actions that interrupt the Muslim Ramadan include:

• Special or intentional meal
• Unspoken intention to fast
• Masturbation or intercourse
• Smoking
• Spontaneous vomiting
• Administration of rectal or vaginal medications

However condescension towards similar actions. Despite their similarities, they do not break the post.

They include:

• Unintentional meal
• Administration of drugs through injections
• kisses
• Petting, if they do not lead to ejaculation
• Teeth cleaning
• blood donation
• Period
• involuntary vomiting
• Failure to perform prayers

Punishments for breaking the Ramadan fast:

Those who unintentionally who broke the fast due to illness, must on any other day spend the missed day of fasting.

For sexual intercourse performed during daylight hours, the believer is obliged to defend another 60 days of fasting, or to feed 60 needy.

If skipping the fast is allowed by shariah need to do repentance.

Islam is one of the youngest religions on earth, and at the same time one of the strictest in terms of observance of the canons. There are so-called. pillars of religion, i.e. the Shariah prescriptions that are necessary for execution in order to be considered true adherents of faith in Allah.

One of the pillars is the strict observance of a whole series of rites, rituals and abstinences from the beginning to the end of the month of Ramadan.

Islamic calendar and Ramadan in it

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is what month of the year? Every Muslim knows that he is the ninth. Its name comes from the Arabic “burn the earth”, “burning”, since it is in this month that solar activity reaches its maximum and literally burns and dries up the vegetation on the hot earth. If we compare the Islamic and Christian calendars, then the month of Ramadan usually begins somewhere at the end of our May and ends at the end of June, in total it lasts 29-30 days. It is believed that it was during these days that the great prophet Muhammad was given his mission with "frank words" - this is how the holy Quran was born. The month of Ramadan in 2017 began on May 27 and ended on June 25.

How does the observance of Ramadan begin?

The most important ritual at the beginning of the month of Ramadan is the intention to observe this sacred period (Arabic "niyat"). It sounds something like this: “I intend from today to fast in Ramadan in the name of Allah.”

Fasting in the month of Ramadan

The most important act in Ramadan is fasting (Arabic “saum”). Those. abstaining from major temptations: eating, smoking, drinking and intimate relationships during the daytime until sunset. By his abstinence, a Muslim shows Allah his devotion, loyalty and readiness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of faith.

What conditions are necessary in order to observe Ramadan

Not every person and not even every Muslim can observe the sacred ritual. In order for a person to be allowed to observe Ramadan, the following conditions must be met:

• Of course, the observant must be a Muslim. And not only by his faith, he must go through the procedure of converting to Islam in the mosque.
• The observant must be of legal age according to Shariah. Children are not allowed to observe the fast, as they need good nutrition.
• The observant should not have mental and severe physical illnesses, because in case of mental illness, the observant does not know what he is doing, and in case of physical illnesses, good food and plenty of drink are often required.
• Pregnant and lactating women are exempted from fasting, as they have an urgent need for regular meals.
• Wanderers and travelers who are on the road or more than 90 km from home may not fast if this entails serious consequences for them.
• Women in the period of monthly or postpartum bleeding may also not fast because of the large blood loss and the need to replenish it.

However, those who have been released should remember that it is extremely undesirable to do forbidden actions in public (drinking, smoking) so as not to add unnecessary temptations to them. Chewing gum, playing loud music and frivolous dancing in public places are also unacceptable during the fasting period.

When you can eat and drink in fasting

Can I eat and drink during the month of Ramadan? After sunset, a fasting Muslim (Arabic “uraza”) performs a sacred night prayer (Arabic “isha”), then he can read a voluntary and desirable prayer with his comrades (Arabic “tarawih”). It includes 8-20 rak'ahs. Then you can start breaking the fast - an evening meal (Arabic "iftar"). Eating at night is prescribed not only with a close circle of relatives, but also with friends and acquaintances. Sometimes beggars from the street are attracted to breaking the fast as a sign of helping the poor. Food for breaking the fast, too, should not be rich and plentiful. Shariah prescribes during the night breaking the fast to eat milk, dates, water. Too heavy, spicy or fatty foods are undesirable during this period, as they can cause further thirst or stomach complications.

Morning meal (Arabic "suhoor") during breaking the fast, you should try to finish at least half an hour before dawn. And then again keep a daily post.

What not to do in Ramadan:

• not uttering intentions: this cancels all observance of Ramadan;
• eat food intentionally;
• drink intentionally;
• smoking and inhaling smoking smoke intentionally;
• engage in intimacy, indulge in masturbation, make caresses that lead to ejaculation, even if it was not directly sexual intercourse;
• indulge in idle entertainment (frivolous dancing, listening to loud music, except for prayerful speeches);
• use of medicines that require rectal or vaginal administration;
• cause spontaneous vomiting;
• swallow separated sputum that has entered the throat.

What is allowed to do in Ramadan:

• non-special intake of food and water (for example, if a person chokes in the sea);
• drug injections;
• blood donation (donor, tests), blood letting;
• bathing, if not swallowing a drop of water;
• kisses without penetration into the oral cavity (as we say “not sucked”);
• bodily caresses that do not lead to ejaculation;
• swallowing one's own saliva without sputum and vomiting;
• you should brush your teeth with care so that the paste is not swallowed (in general, some Muslims believe that brushing your teeth after noon is not necessary, because “the smell from the mouth of a fasting Muslim has a special shade and is a kind of incense for Allah”);
• vomiting, if it occurs involuntarily;
• prayers are not allowed.

Rituals in Ramadan, in addition to fasting

Holy Ramadan is not only fasting, but also numerous prayers to Allah.

The most important prayer - prayer - is performed five times a day.

In addition to prayers, evening prayers, morning prayers and praises to Allah before each meal are desirable.

The most common during this period are: iftar, suhoor, dua "Iftiah", dua "Mujir", dua "Macaremu ahlyak", dua "Baha", dua Abu Hamza Sumali, dua "Jaushan Kabir".

In the last 10 days of fasting, it is advisable for a Muslim to go into seclusion, since the Prophet Muhammad once retired for the last 20 days of his life. It is better to do solitude in a Muslim mosque, before saying one more special intention - for solitude.

Of course, it is desirable to read the Qur'an during the entire period of the holy month.

How does Ramadan end?

After ritual solitude follows the so-called. Night of predestination (arab. "al-Qadra"). This night comes after the end of the 27th day of Ramadan - it was then, according to legend, that the first sura of the Koran (610) was opened to the prophet Muhammad. Then the archangel Jabrail, descending from heaven, gave the prophet a scroll with an order to read it. On this night, it is customary to ask Allah for forgiveness for the sins committed and read the Quran a lot.

On the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, the fasting person should pay alms: obligatory (zakat in Arabic) and voluntary (saadaq in Arabic). A solemn prayer is read, and those who are fasting are preparing for the holiday in honor of Ramadan - Uraza Bayram (Arab. Eid al-Fitr).

The first day of the new month, on which this holy holiday is held, begins with the sacred prayer of Eid prayer, which marks the end of Ramadan.

By this time, the houses should already be clean (Muslims must obviously take care of cleanliness). On the holiday itself, believers should wash themselves and put on clean, beautiful clothes. The day of celebration is considered a day off.

For Uraz Bayram, a lot of festive food is prepared (predominantly women cook): fried lamb, rich soup with beans, meat and vegetables, salads with meat, pancakes, pies, pilaf, numerous sweets, dates, fruits.

Believers go to each other's houses, give gifts, give sweets to children. Everyone congratulates each other with the phrase "Eid Mubarak!". Children play active outdoor games. Adults can dance and sing. On the same day, it is customary to go to the cemetery to visit relatives in order to honor their memory and offer prayers to Allah for them.

Top Tasks in Ramadan

Ramadan is not only a cleansing of the flesh (it is known in any religion that fasting in itself is good for cleansing the body), but also the cleansing of the soul. The soul is cleansed through the flesh. Through good deeds (helping the poor, for example), the soul is cured of filth. Through the rejection of pleasures (dancing, singing, playing, watching entertainment programs, etc.), humility and abstinence are trained. The ability to endure, refuse, make sacrifices, be restrained, merciful, generous allows believers in Ramadan to win the true mercy of Allah.

If Ramadan is performed with evil thoughts or for show, or for selfish purposes, Allah rejects such a sacrifice and does not bestow mercy on a liar.

Punishments and fines for non-compliance with Ramadan

It is believed that any true Muslim is obliged to perform Ramadan, unless he is exempt from this ritual. However, violators are everywhere, and if one is caught, then he must be punished.

The one who violates the prescriptions must bear the atonement (arab. "kaffara"). This may be additional alms for the poor or additional fasting.

In case of unintentional violation of the instructions, the believer must compensate for the days of the broken fast after the end of Ramadan or help a certain number of those in need with money or food.

During the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, believers refrain from eating during the daytime and only in the evening, immediately after sunset, allow themselves a little snack. Photographers from the Reuters news agency captured the Muslim evening meal during Ramadan in different parts of the world this year (it ended on July 10).
Everyone has a different table: someone has meat, someone has fruit, someone prefers to cook national dishes; someone eats with family or colleagues at home or at work, and someone eats right in the war zone. In general, see for yourself.

Ibrahim Khideri, Pakistan, near Karachi

Haji Hussain, a 65-year-old fisherman from Pakistan, begins the evening break with his comrades.
“For me, Ramadan is a time for good deeds, they protect us from the influence of Satan.”

Sanliurfa, Türkiye, refugee camp

35-year-old Syrian refugee Ahmet Ilevi starts the iftar with his wife and children. “Ramadan brings peace, and only the thought of relatives who remained in Syria can destroy this peace. I really miss them. In my homeland, Ramadan is much more beautiful than here,” says Ahmet. On the table they have a dish of baked chicken with potatoes and a vegetable salad.

Delhi, India, old quarters

Anwaar Hussain, 35, refreshes himself with his staff. Hussain works as a mechanic and repairs used electric motors and pumps. Hussain said that the essence of Ramadan is self-improvement and kindness, and that one should avoid evil.

Susiya Village, West Bank

Jihad Nuwaja, a Palestinian Bedouin, eats in the village of Susiya, near the city of Hebron.

Singapore

Bangladeshi workers prepare for iftar at The Leo hostel in Singapore.

Kakanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The miners take an iftar break somewhere deep inside one of the mines of the industrial city of Kakanj.

Zenika, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Prisoners of the largest prison in Bosnia and Herzegovina break the fast.

Idlib Province, Syria

Members of the Syrian Civil Defense start the iftar from rebel-controlled territory in a small town called Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province.

Algiers, Algeria

The brothers are about to start the iftar, sitting outside a local candy store on the outskirts of Algiers. On the table they have chorba soup, chicken stewed with vegetables, meat and traditional bread baked by their mother.

Damascus, Syria

Syrian army recruits take their iftar at their post at a training camp in Damascus, Syria.

Tagui Metro Manila, Philippines

Drivers of motorcycle taxis begin their Iftar meal during Ramadan in Tagui, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Livorno, Suriname

Anglers from Suriname and Indonesia eat iftar dishes just after sunset. Board of the ship Nishshin Maru No 7, moored on the Suriname River in Livorno.

Islambad, Pakistan

Mohammed, a 27-year-old worker in a brick factory, starts iftar with his fellow workers. “For me, Ramadan is a test given to us by the Lord. We must follow His will in order to succeed in life,” Muhammad said.

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip

A Palestinian family is in a hurry to eat.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Diana Yasmin eats during iftar with her parents. Diana is a law student at the Felix Houpoeuet Boigny University and lives with her parents. “Ramadan is very important for all Muslims, because when we constantly pray and share food with others, we become closer to God,” she says.

Beirut, Lebanon

Sanaa eats iftar with her children and relatives next to an advertising sign for a clothing store in Beirut, Lebanon. Sanaa, a 23-year-old mother of three, is begging on Hamra Street. Her iftar is a lentil stew with chicken and rice served to her by a passerby. “Ramadan is about kindness and generosity. I like jewelry the most,” she said.