Ramadan Traditions: Taraweeh Prayers, Iftar, Suhoor, Fasting, and Charity

Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar because it coincides with when Muslims believe Muhammad received his first revelations from Allah. This holy period has many traditions associated with it, including taraweeh prayers, iftars, suhoors, fasting, and acts of charity. Here's what you need to know about each aspect during Ramadan.

Taraweeh Prayers

Taraweeh is a special form of nightly prayer performed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. These additional prayers are performed after Isha Prayer, which marks the end of the daylight hours of Ramadan. While some people may pray alone, others gather together in mosques for communal recitation during this time. There isn't any specific recommendation for how often one performs these extra prayers, but they typically occur every evening throughout the entirety of Ramadan. Their purpose is to emphasize the importance of spending ample time in the worship of God.

Iftar

Iftar means 'breakfast', and it refers to the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast. Muslims are instructed to eat something before offering Maghrib Prayer, which occurs just after sunset, to avoid damaging their bodies through starvation. Traditional foods vary according to cultural backgrounds, but common dishes might include dates and water, though sweets like cherry nougat are also popular during this time. The term "iftar" applies specifically to breaking the fast at sunset; however, eating anything to relieve hunger before that time constitutes a violation of Islam.

Suhoor

Suhoor represents the predawn meal taken just prior to Fajr prayer (the dawn prayer), which signifies the start of another day's fasting. Eating breakfast before such a significant religious act helps Muslims prepare their minds and souls for the rigorous demands of a full day without food or drink. A typical traditional suhoor includes watermelon juice, yogurt drinks mixed with sugar cookies, and other refreshments similar to those consumed at noon, except less substantial and more liquid, due to timing considerations.

Fasting

Fasting involves abstaining from consuming both solid food and liquids between sunrise and sunset. During the lunar month, Muslims must refrain from all activities related to their physical needs while they concentrate on their spiritual goals. They must also abstain from sexual intercourse and certain impure actions. Fasting serves several purposes, among them purifying body organs, restricting desire during a state of weakness, making people conscious of their sins and misdeeds, and preventing them from committing wrongdoings. It is only regarded as successful if done out of faith and free will, rather than compulsion or coercion.

Charity

Every year during the last ten days of Ramadan, Zakat al-fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who can afford it. Also known as the tax imposed for Sunnis and Shia alike, it consists of two pounds per capita payable on behalf of everyone living under one roof, even young children. Those unable to afford it, whether temporarily or permanently, do not have to give anything but instead are allowed to fulfill any promise made previously. If someone does give, his reward will equal the value given multiplied by eighty times. Giving to the poor invigorates the spirit of generosity, particularly towards those most vulnerable in society.

In summary, Ramadan encompasses several key practices beyond its primary focus on fasting. Taraweeh Prayers, iftar meals, suhoor breakfasts, and charitable giving are integral parts of how Muslims observe this reverent period. Each tradition fulfills unique functions within the broader framework of the religion.