culture is everything and everything is culture About Ramadan Nasif Kayed @NasifKayed 050 598 7031 www.thearabculturalist.com
What Does Islam mean? Islam means To Submit or Surrender What? To whom? Submit our free will to God, Eloh, Yaweh, Allah O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware. Chapter 49, Verse 13; The Holy Quran
Pillars of Faith Allah is one and Mohammed (PBUH) is his last and final messenger Angels - they are your monitors Revelations - the books, they are your manuals Prophets - they are your teachers and role models Day of Judgment - final review, everyone must be evaluated Pre-Destination - no excuses
Acts of Worship Declaration Prayer to re-evaluate Zakat 2.5% of any excess wealth Sawm fasting the holy month of Ramadan, self-betterment Hajj we are all one connected race united under peace between mankind
Ramadan Ninth month of the lunar calendar (by sighting the new moon) Ramad means its hot, but is it? What happens during this month? Fasting from the break of dawn to sunset Why do we fast? Taqwa, Piety, Righteousness How? No lawful and no unlawful
Abstain from Lawful Eating, Drinking,Smoking, Chewing Gum *Nothing that enters the mouth to the stomach No intimate relations with spouse Unlawful Ill feelings or thoughts Gossip, back biting, Lying, slander Body language (attitude) Avoid and eliminate the seven sins (anger pride lust gluttony envy greed sloth)
Who's exempt from fasting? Children who have not reached puberty Mentally disabled Chronically ill * Pregnant or nursing mom > Menstruating women > Sick for the day > Traveler * One should feed a poor person for each missed day > One should make up the fast
Typical Ramadan Day Suhoor meal before crack of dawn Work Cook Breaking of the fast Night Prayers Taraweeh and Qiyyam Ramadan Traditions Visiting family and friends Feeding the poor Ramadan tents
Family in Ramadan We must be kind to each other, kids and parents We all help one another, lean on and support each other, kindness is heightened, Preparing Iftar and sharing a meal together The excitement when anticipating our guests or when we are invited for Iftar Gathering to read Quran or lessons - quality time Having plans to deliver food to the less fortunate; putting a smile on someone s face helps you smile too Eid is a great time for forgiveness, celebrating, uniting and Eidiya for the kids, they can t be happier. Eid visitation brings the family closer than ever
Workplace in Ramadan We mind each other s needs empathy/kindness We all have to be positive; no anger or shouting, no gossip in the break room We gather for Iftar or Suhoor as a company with all staff included Workmates visit each other s homes for Iftar Companies/organizations should plan to deliver food to the less fortunate, creating good spirit and team effort We work reduced hours (2 hours) Eid visitation, we should as work colleagues
Community in Ramadan We are all fasting and now come together as one We eat, sleep, and gather at a different time than the rest of the year; it s fun, different and unique We help the less fortunate feel cared about We have less distractions going on and we spend more quality time at events that are educational and spiritually uplifting like prayer Team effort in doing good becomes so much more active and visible It feels a bit more peaceful in this month Eid is a happy time for all and we re responsible to pay Zakat al Fitr
Ramadan Etiquette in public & the work place No eating, drinking, shouting or wearing revealing clothing Keep a modest demeanor and good attitude Be understanding, tolerant and patient Be mindful of others needs and shortcomings Yes join Iftars Try fasting why Not? Feed the poor, donate and volunteer Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan Myths & Contradictions Not drinking water can effect your health Driving while fasting can be dangerous Fasting imposes on those who are not fasting Very extravagant food displays Wasting food Staying up all night, sleeping all day
Eid Festivities Sighting the Moon Drink at Break of Dawn No more fasting Get Ready to Pray Eid Prayer Wear new clothes Eid Prayer Can be at a Mosque or Eid Musallah Every Head of Household must pay the Zakat Al Fitr before the Eid Prayer Feed one poor person for each member of your household. Visiting, Eidiya, and Rejoice for 3 Days
Benefits of the Holy Month Taqwa, Piety, Righteousness Integrity! You learn to be God fearing Self Conscious Patience Obedience Self Control Self Discipline A community to work together on becoming the best we can be as humans!
Let s Accept and tolerate one another Mind others needs before our own Empathize with those who are less fortunate What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead. Nelson Mandela
Q & A Nasif Kayed @NasifKayed 050 598 7031 www.thearabculturalist.com