If you have clicked on the link in the hope of learning what Ramadan is, you are in the right place. Because the month we've been(as a Turkish) waiting for has finally arrived and we are ready to unveil all the questions one might have on the topic.
We have especially wanted to create this blog piece after Ramadan has already started to better reflect the spirit of the tradition. We say tradition because despite Ramadan being mostly a religious practice; we strongly feel that for Turkish people it is more like a part of the culture. So we will try and convey to you what it feels like to be observing Ramadan like you are a Turkish and not just a Muslim person. And for those who are planning to come to Turkey within the month of Ramadan, your experience will only be improved with an extra touch of culture, so do it!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide, including those in Turkey. It's a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity, but it's also much more than that. This year, we will be observing Ramadan in Türkiye between the dates March 11th- April 9th.
Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam, commemorating the time when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed by Muslims as a period of fasting from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the fundamental acts of worship that shape a Muslim's life.
Who Fasts in Ramadan?
In Turkey, Ramadan is observed by millions of Muslims across the country. From bustling metropolises like Istanbul to tranquil villages in Anatolia, people of all ages and backgrounds participate in the fast. Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, although exemptions exist for certain groups, such as the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those who are ill as well as women who are on their period. Children often begin fasting gradually, encouraged by their families, as they reach adolescence.
Why Do People Fast in Turkey?
Ramadan holds a special place in Turkish culture, deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. Beyond its religious significance, Ramadan serves as a time for family gatherings, community iftars (the meal to break the fast), and acts of charity. And you don't only fast to belong in the religion, you fast to feel a belonging towards the culture as well. Because in Ramadan the cities feel different, streets are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere as people come together to share meals and prayers.
Moreover, Ramadan fosters a sense of solidarity and empathy. It reminds Turks of the importance of compassion and generosity towards those less fortunate. Many Turkish communities organize food drives, distribute meals to the needy, and host charity events throughout the month. When Ramadan arrives, you remember the importance of kindness and sharing and appreciate the opportunity you have to come together with your family to eat and pray together. From preparing traditional dishes like güllaç and baklava to attending nightly Taraweeh prayers at the mosque, every aspect of Ramadan is steeped in history and shared experiences.
What Makes Ramadan in Türkiye 'Special'
What truly sets Ramadan apart in Turkey is the warmth and camaraderie that permeate the air.Neighbors exchange plates of homemade sweets, friends invite each other for iftar feasts, and strangers break bread together in acts of hospitality. Every municipality sets up their 'çadır' - which are big tents, and fills them up with tables which will all be set up with warm food to feed hundreds of people. It's a time when the barriers of class, ethnicity, and nationality fade away, uniting people in a common bond of faith and humanity. As the people who observe Ramadan dedicate themselves to the spiritual journey, they not only strengthen their connection with the divine but also with each other.
What Are The Rules of Ramadan?
The rules of Ramadan are based on religious principles outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Here are the fundamental rules of Ramadan that are widely accepted:
Fasting: The primary obligation of Ramadan is fasting (known as Oruç in Turkish). Muslims abstain from food, drinks, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. This includes refraining from consuming any form of nourishment or liquids, as well as avoiding behaviors that may invalidate the fast. Because fasting depends on the positioning of the sun(sunrise and sunset), the hours that Turkish people fast for change every year.
Intention: Before the beginning of each day's fast, Muslims must make a sincere intention (Niyet) to fast for the sake of Allah. This intention can be made in the heart and does not need to be verbalized.
Sahur and Iftar: Muslims partake in the pre-dawn meal (Sahur) before the Fajr prayer, and they break their fast at sunset with a meal called Iftar. Both Sahur and Iftar are encouraged to be wholesome and nutritious, providing sustenance for the day ahead or replenishing energy after a day of fasting.
Exemptions: While fasting is obligatory for most adult Muslims, certain individuals are exempted from fasting. These include children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, travelers, pregnant or nursing women, menstruating women, and individuals who are ill or have health conditions that may be exacerbated by fasting.
Avoiding Prohibited Acts: Fasting extends beyond abstaining from food and drink; it also entails refraining from sinful behavior and negative actions such as lying, gossiping, backbiting, and engaging in arguments or disputes. Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification, and Muslims strive to cultivate virtues such as patience, kindness, and self-discipline which are expected to become habits for the rest of the year as well.
Charity (Zakat al-Fitr): Muslims are encouraged to give to charity during Ramadan, both in the form of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, and voluntary acts of charity throughout the month. Only those who are capable are expected to give charity.
Commonly Asked Questions About Ramadan
Can you drink water during Ramadan?
No. The fasting we observe in Ramadan in Türkiye is the dry fasting. So, no liquids as well as foods.
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