Muslims Mark the Start of Ramadan

Submitted by Oumar Soumahoro on Fri, 07/20/2012 - 8:32am.
Oumar Soumahoro's picture

Muslims all across the world are marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, where they will fast (no food or water) from sunset to sundown every day. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is perhaps the most famous pillar along with Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that any active and able Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime (if they have the financials capability). Since the start and ending of Ramadan depends on the moon and geographic location, some will start and end Ramadan earlier or later. This variation in time has an influence on how people's mood reflect along the day.

The Koran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during this holy month.The Koran, the holy book of Islam, covers everything about Islam, including the appropriate and expected behaviors of a Muslim. The main purpose of Ramadan is to purify not only your body but your soul as well from sins one's committed along the year. The last ten days of Ramadan are the most important in the Muslim's calendar. As cited in the Koran, these ten days' night prayers are worth 1,000 days of prayer, and anyone who completes these ten days praying accomplishes is guaranteed to have all their sins forgiven and an open door to Heaven.

As an athlete preparing the fall soccer season with my high school team, my performance on the field may decrease because I'll be lacking energy and lack of proper training. On the other hand, my commitment to EdLab potluck, D&R and seminar food will cease but I'll be back very soon.



Mingoro Fanny's picture
Mingoro Fanny Says:
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 8:58am

I also fast and have the similar situation for soccer. I started fasting at the age of 9. When did you start fasting? and When you first started was really hard for you or you adjusted to it rapidly?


Oumar Soumahoro's picture
Oumar Soumahoro Says:
Thu, 07/26/2012 - 12:27am

Fasting doesn't seem like something new to you. I believe started fasting before age ten, and it was like a game to us, as we were rewarded by our parents everyday after fasting; so by thinking about the reward you will get, fasting is not a problem for you. As you know, holding your hunger for more than 12 hours is not something you could adjust to rapidly, so this was a slow process to get use to. But do you think anyone could adjust to this?


Duncan Asiedu's picture
Duncan Asiedu Says:
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 11:01pm

Happy Ramadan Oumar. With the London Olympics set to take place simultaneously as the month Ramadan, I wonder how the Muslim athletes adjust to this considering that they must fast. Here is a link to a quick video summarizing how athletes deal with the month of Ramadan.


Oumar Soumahoro's picture
Oumar Soumahoro Says:
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 12:18am

Thank you Duncan for your wishes. As said in the video, professional athletes are excuses not to fast during the month of Ramadan, because it is a job for them, and it's out of this job they are able to take care of their family. Also, in case of illness, you are recommended not to fast in order to take your medication and recover as fast as possible. You are to make up the days you've missed at the end of Ramadan as fasting is a pillar of Islam and obligatory.


Duncan Asiedu's picture
Duncan Asiedu Says:
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 1:49pm

Thank you for clarifying this Oumar. I am aware that some athletes still choose to adhere to the fasting requirement during the month of Ramandan. Such was the case when Ghanaian soccer player Sulley Muntari chose to fast during the month of Ramadan which against the wishes of his coach.


Oumar Soumahoro's picture
Oumar Soumahoro Says:
Thu, 07/26/2012 - 12:24am

I think everyone have their own faith, and some athletes wouldn't let anything get in the way they show submission to God.


Megha Agarwala's picture
Megha Agarwala Says:
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 10:25am

Oumar ! Happy Ramadan ! May you get the courage to fast and may God bless you with your prayers.


Oumar Soumahoro's picture
Oumar Soumahoro Says:
Mon, 07/23/2012 - 12:12am

Thanks Megha. May God bless us all and give us the courage to be accomplishers in our jobs.


Khalil Abubakar's picture
Khalil Abubakar Says:
Fri, 07/20/2012 - 9:02am

Ramadan the month of prayers and forgiveness not only that i will take advantage to reach my fitness goals.