Ramadan

Ramadan History

Ramadan celebrates Muslims across the globe and encourages the participation of a month-long fast. The basic purpose of this observance is to strengthen one's relationship with Allah (God) through self-discipline, increased religious devotion and meditation. It is also a time of charity, compassion, and community. During the period of fast, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is also a time for purification, seeking forgiveness and ensuring the purity of thought and actions.

Ramadan observance has a significant history that dates back to 610 AD when the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, first received revelations from Allah. For Muslims in Germany, this observance is a way of connecting with their religious roots and the global Muslim community. They can participate by showing solidarity, understanding, respect, and support towards their fellow Muslim friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The education about Ramadan observance in Germany can also contribute to a more comfortable and harmonious multicultural milieu within the society.

In Germany, the observance of Ramadan follows the same pattern as in other parts of the world. One key aspect is the 'Iftar', the breaking of the fast each day after sunset. Many Muslims invite friends, neighbors and colleagues to join in the meal, extending the spirit of camaraderie. Special prayers called 'Taraweeh' are also performed in mosques across the country. The observance starts at the sighting of the new moon, the dates for which can vary each year due to the lunar Islamic calendar. As such, there is no fixed date in the Gregorian calendar for the commencement or conclusion of Ramadan.

Facts & quotes about Ramadan

• According to Islamic tradition, menstruating women, women who are experiencing bleeding after giving birth, people who are sick (either with short term or long term illnesses), and travelers are exempt from fasting. Pregnant women also have the option of skipping fasts.
• According to Sunnah belief, the Prophet Muhammad once said, There is no conceit in fasting.
• O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; perchance you will guard yourselves (Quran, 2:183)
• The "Berlin Mosque" built in 1925 in Berlin is the oldest mosque in Germany. It plays host to many Muslims during Ramadan for prayers, community iftars and other Ramadan related activities.
• Ramadan has received a lot of attention in Germany, especially after 2015 when a large number of Muslim refugees were admitted into the country. Both the influx of refugees and Ramadan have sparked debates about integrating immigrant cultures into German society.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Ramadan

Top things to do in Germany for Ramadan

• The fast is usually broken in a family setting, where traditional foods are served. Most Muslims begin their meal with a few dates and a glass of milk because the Prophet Muhammad used to do the same. The high sugar content of the dates sends energy to weary fasting Muslim, while the fiber in the dates and the protein in the milk fills them up and prevents nausea.
• During Ramadan, Muslims congregate every night in the mosque to pray Taraweeh prayers in congregation. In the United States, in between sets of prayers, the Imam gives a brief sermon and encourages people to give to charity.
• Ramadan Festival in Berlin: This festival promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding by offering a variety of cultural and culinary events. It offers non-Muslims a platform to learn about Ramadan and the culture of Muslim-majority countries.
• Read a books to learn more about Ramadan in Germany:
  Islam in Germany - by Steffen Wippel
  Being Muslim in Central Europe: Ethno-nationalism, Migration, and Anti-Islamic Sentiment in Hungary and Germany - by Kirsten Wesselhoeft
  Mosques in Germany: Muslims and Islam in Germany - by Allatkhan A. Khamagaev