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Islamic media have also helped spread the message of Ramadan
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Ramadan
is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from
food, drink and marital relations from the break of dawn to sunset. The fast is
performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity while obeying God's
commandments. Fasting (along with the Declaration of Faith, five daily Prayers,
charity, and Pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “Five Pillars” of Islam.
Fasting
is also for those who want to improve themselves- improve their bodies, their
emotions, their mentality, their morality and their spirituality. Fasting is
therefore an extraordinary educational experience that covers social, economic
and spiritual dimensions – and Ramadan in South Africa truly encompasses these
experiences.
In
South Africa: Hot fast
Despite
the long and hot fast in South Africa: over 14 hours and in temperatures in
excess of 30 degrees Celsius, Ramadan in South Africa still retains a
“carnival” atmosphere. Months in advance, women can be found preparing tasty
treats to feed their hungry families. With the majority of Muslims being of
Indian origin, samosas, pies, curries, and haleem (a type of broth) are present
on almost every dinner table.
It’s
not all about food, though. For all the ideological differences that may exist
among Muslims in South Africa, the fast of Ramadan truly unites the Ummah
(Islamic community) here. Muslims tend to live in high concentrations in certain
areas, and with whole areas fasting; neighbourliness and brotherhood run high as
Muslims are united by their growling stomachs! This year, many students will be
writing their final exams while fasting: a daunting thought when one considers
the heat and length of the fast.
One
of the main reasons that Muslims fast is so that they can empathize with the
poor and needy, and during Ramadan South African Muslims give abundantly, both
materially and spiritually.
South
African Muslims: vibrant and dynamic
In
South Africa today, there are over 500 mosques, 408 educational institutes,
including colleges, Muslim private schools, religious instruction centres,
and colleges of Islamic Sciences. Many universities offer Arabic and Islamic
Studies as part of their academic curriculum. Muslims are involved in every
profession and field of endeavour, and the significance and meaning of Ramadan
is well-explained and publicised to all religious and cultural groups in the
country.
Islamic
media have also helped spread the message of Ramadan, and private Islamic radio
stations broadcast Tarawih Prayers in nearly every province with significant
Muslim populations, Radio
Islam in Johannesburg; Radio
786 in Cape Town; Radio Al-Ansaar in Durban. Islamic newspapers have also
played an important role in educating the Muslim community and others about
Ramadan. Prominent newspapers include Al-Qalamn, Muslim Views, Al-Ummah and
Al-Miftah.
Ramadan:
Food for the soul
Local
Muslim organisations have taken the lead in addressing humanitarian needs
locally and abroad. The Gift of the Givers Foundation, Africa Muslim Agency,
Crescent of Hope and the Islamic
Medical Association of South Africa have helped Muslims and non-Muslims
alike in times of conflict, natural disasters, and political upheaval.
South
African Muslims have always contributed to good causes, and it is during the
fasting period that Muslims discharge their zakah (obligatory alms) obligations,
give abundantly to charitable causes, and help the less fortunate. Many Islamic
organisations begin their work in advance of Ramadan, in order to raise funds
and help feed poor Muslims.
Sometimes,
individuals take it upon themselves to prepare and distribute food for the less
fortunate. All in all, it is a time when most Muslims reflect on their good
fortune, and assist destitute Muslims both here and abroad.
Whilst
imams may argue that the mosques are empty the rest of the year, during Ramadan
the faithful jostle for space. Mosques are packed and Tarawih Prayers are
performed in every single mosque in the country. At home, women perform
Tarawih by themselves. Cinemas and theatres are deserted, as recitation of the
Holy Qur’an becomes one of the central activities of the month. The graveyards
are also well visited during Ramadan, and many prayers are said for the
deceased.
Eid
– a time of celebration
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Private Islamic radio stations broadcast Tarawih Prayers in nearly every province |
The
festival of `Eid Al-Fitr signifies the conclusion of the fast. In South Africa,
Muslims celebrate the `Eid by visiting friends and families. New clothes and
delicious food characterise the day. Some Muslims, however, spend the day in
orphanages, old-age homes and hospitals visiting those who do not have, or have
lost touch with their loved ones. The spirit of Ramadan is still alive during
the `Eid celebrations.
As
I write this, I reflect on my brothers and sisters in areas like Palestine,
Kashmir, and Chechnya, where life is constantly about survival, and a hungry
stomach is not exclusive to the fast of Ramadan. At this auspicious time, I pray
that Allah Almighty assist all Muslims throughout the world to overcome whatever
challenges they may face. For Muslims in my own country, I just wish that the
atmosphere of Ramadan could prevail throughout the year.
Ramadan
Mubarak to all Muslims everywhere.
Suraya Dadoo is a researcher with Media Review Network (www.mediareviewnet.com)
an advocacy group based in Pretoria, South Africa.
