TRADITONAL PRACTICES OF THE MUSLIM DURING THEIR OBSERVANCE OF RAMADAN

A Research Paper in Philippine Literature

TRADITONAL PRACTICES OF THE MUSLIM
DURING THEIR OBSERVANCE OF RAMADAN

Submitted by:
Khristopher Lance S. Galutan
Lawrence S. Pawaan
Researchers

Submitted to:
Asst. Prof. Melchor T. Balauag
Instructor

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Title
Table of contentsi
Dedication..ii
Acknowledgement.iii
Chapter 11-10
i. Introduction.1
ii. Background of study2
iii. Related literature.3
iv. Definition of terms..10

VI. Chapter 2
v.

Methodology...11

VII. Chapter 3
vi. Summary...............................12

i2

vii. Conclusion...13DEDI
CATION

This thesis is dedicated to the students of Philippine State College of Aeronautics

who has been the center of this research for the future development. This research is also
dedicated to our teachers who have been our guide, and inspiration and philosopher. It is
also dedicated to our parents who have been given us the opportunity of us education
from the best institutions and support throughout our life.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers would like to extend their gratitude to the people who gave assistance for
making this project possible: To Mr Melchor T. Balauag, who gave the opportunity to
have this research and to help us gain knowledge about this research paper. To our
parents who gave us understanding and moral support. To our schoolmates who actively
participated for us to accomplish this project and most of all, to the Almighty Father, for
giving us the spirit and infinite blessing

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

i2

Religious practices of Filipinos have brought several challenges, issues on spirituality and rituals
which affects the whole values and heavenly directions of all believers. However, this has made them
stronger and committed for what they have accepted as religious beliefs. One of the greatest faith
practiced by our brother Muslim Filipinos, in this country is the Islamic Faith. As such, spiritual
development of Muslim devotees provides opportunities for all believers to strengthen their faith and
way of life.
In the observance of RAMADAN during the Islamic month, fasting and prayer in abstinence
were the main activities to commemorate the first revelation of QURAN. This observance is regarded as
one of the five pillars of Islam, which will lasts up to 30 days. Ramadan comes from the Arabic root
RAMIDA, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting was made obligatory during the month for
adult Muslims, except for those suffering from illness, travelling, elderly and pregnant woman.
Practicing fasting from dawn to sunset obliged Muslims to refrain from consuming foods, drinking
liquids, smoking and engaging in sexual activities and abstinence for bad deeds.
In addition, Muslims believed that fasting can multiply spiritual rewards within the month of
RAMADAN. In response to the need of providing additional and exact knowledge and information on
the practices of RAMADAN, this action research was conceived and shall be conducted in support to
the spiritual development practices of Muslim Filipinos. It is also an accepted fact that the task of letting
non-Muslim brothers and sisters understand the Muslim rituals, specifically on RAMADAN is not only
the sole concern of learning institutions, But of every Filipino people. This primordial concern was
designed to know more on the universal concept of RAMADAN and shall provide clear religious
commitment not only to the Christian believers but for the Muslims during RAMADA

BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The origin of "Ramadan", the sacred Muslim occasion, can be traced partly to historic accounts
as well as the various holy Islamic texts. A great part of the history of Ramadan depends on ancient
Islamic folklore. According to the Islamic texts, Ramadan began with Prophet Muhammad, the founder
of Islam who was born in 570 CE in the Arabian city of Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad
was reared by his uncle Abu Talib. The boy grew up to be a merchant, as well as a shepherd. He was
first married by age 25. Gradually Muhammad began to be dissatisfied with his life in Mecca. Having an
idealistic and religious temperament from his very early days, he retreated to the caves in the
surrounding mountains of Mecca for meditation and reflection.
According to Islam, one night during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 A.D. when
Muhammad was 40 years of age and was passing the month in meditation in Mount Hira, he had a
vision of an angel appearing before him. This angel introduced himself as Jibril and revealed that
Muhammad was the messenger of Allah and was born to be a prophet to his people. The angel asked
Muhammad to recite what he said:
"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.
Creates man from a clot.
Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful
Who teaches by the pen,
He teaches man what he does not know."
With a confounded mind, Muhammad descended from Mount Hira and told everything to his wife
Khadijah. He feared that he had had an encounter with an evil spirit. But Khadijah allayed his fears
reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a
demon. She took him to her old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal and told the latter everything about
Muhammad's meeting with the angel. Waraqa ibn Nawfal was a much learned man and was well-versed
in various sacred texts concerning different religion. The lettered man convinced Muhammad that he
was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the same divine messenger
Gabriel who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.

In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught
him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah
wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the
most sacred book in Islam.
It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan.
"Laylat al-Qadr" a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy
knowledge was gifted to Muhammad and mankind. The followers of Islam consider "Laylat al-Qadr" as
the "Night of the Power", the holiest night of the year. As a mark of respect to Allah and to show
gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his
followers to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long
non-indulgence with festive celebrations.

RELATED LITERATURE
The Period of Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan, as laid down in the holy Quran, is the fourth pillar of the
faith. According to the Quran, this entire month is ordained for fasting and abstinence by all adult
Muslims. Fasting begins at daybreak and ends at sunset, and during the day eating, drinking, and
smoking are forbidden.
A cloudy sky may delay or prolong the Ramadan fast. For, the beginning and the end of the fast depends
on the sighting of the crescent moon. It takes one trustworthy witness to testify before the authorities
that the new moon has been sighted. And the Ramadan announcements are made accordingly.
According to Quran, for a person who is sick or on a journey, fasting may be postponed until "another
equal number of days." The elderly and the incurably sick are exempted through the daily feeding of one
poor person.
According to the Quran, the fast of Ramadan has been instituted so that believers may cultivate piety.
The fast during Ramadan begins each day at dawn and ends immediately at sunset. During the fast
period, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke and make love. Before retiring for the night, special
congregational prayers are offered in which long passages from the Quran are recited. The day after the

end of Ramadan is Id-ul-Fitr, the festival that celebrates the breaking of the fast with special prayers and
festivities.
In the Quran, the development of the Ramadan fast, which is one of the five Pillars, or basic institutions,
of Islam, may be traced from the injunction to fast on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, probably once
identical with the Jewish Day of Atonement. This injunction was abrogated by a command to fast during
Ramadan (2:184).
Unlike the period of fasting observed in other major faiths, fast in Ramadan is seen less as an atonement
and more as an obedient response to a command from God.

The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of
those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry.
Fasting is an exercise in self-restraint. Its seen as a way to physically and spiritually detoxify by
kicking impulses like morning coffee, smoking and midday snacking. Ramadan is a time to detach from
worldly pleasures and focus on ones prayers. Many Muslims dress more conservatively during
Ramadan and spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year. Fasting during Ramadan
is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and
performing the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

There are exceptions for children, the elderly, and the sick women who are pregnant or
menstruating and people traveling, which could include athletes during tournaments. Many Muslims,
particularly those who live in the U.S. and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them
who are not observing Ramadan. They also are not expecting shorter work hours, as is the case in the

public sector across much of the Arab world during Ramadan. However, non-Muslims or adult Muslims
who eat in public during the day can be fined or even jailed in some Middle Eastern countries, such as
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, home to large Western populations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, minority Chinese Uighur Muslims complain of heavy restrictions by the Communist
Party, such as bans on fasting by party members, civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan,
as well as generally enforced bans on children attending mosques, women wearing veils and young men
growing beards. Observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire
month of Ramadan, with a single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette considered enough to invalidate the
fast. Muslim scholars say its not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day, though. Spouses
must abstain from sexual intercourse during the day, and Muslims should not engage in road rage,
cursing, fighting or gossiping.

Muslims are also encouraged to observe the five daily prayers on time and to use their downtime
just before breaking their fast at sunset to recite Quran and intensify remembrance of God. To prepare
for the fast, Muslims eat what is commonly called suhoor, a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get
them through the day.

Fasting Is Obligatory
In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year as
mentioned in the verse above. The Quran further says The month of Ramadan is that in which was

revealed the Quran, wherein is guidance for humankind and the clear signs of guidance and distinction.
Thus whosoever among you witness the month must fast
Prophet Muhammad explained this further in a number of his statements reported in the books of
Hadith. It is reported by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim on the authority of Ibn Umar that the
Messenger of God said, Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except God and
that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, performing Prayer, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage
to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The entire Muslim world is unanimous in the principal of fasting in the month of Ramadan and
considers it obligatory upon every person who is physically capable (mukallaf).

Rules of Fasting
Muslims all over the world wait eagerly for Ramadan, as it is a time of increased inner peace and
well-being. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every adult Muslim, male or female,
who has reached puberty, is sane and who is not sick or traveling.
Sickness could be a temporary sickness from which a person expects to be cured soon. Such a
person should not fast during the days of his or her sickness, but he or she must fast later after Ramadan
to complete the missed days. Those who are sick with incurable illness and expect no better health are
also allowed not to fast but they must pay the fidyah, which is giving a days meals for each fast missed
to a needy person. Instead of food for one day one can also give equivalent amount of money to a needy
person. Women in their menses and post-natal bleeding are not allowed to fast, but they must make up
the fast later after Ramadan. If pregnant women and mothers who are nursing babies can also postpone
their fasting to a later time when they are able to do so.
A travel according to the Shariah is any journey that takes you away from your city of residence, a
minimum of 48 miles or 80 kilometres. The journey must be for a good cause. One must avoid frivolous
travel during Ramadan which causes a person to miss fasting. If possible one should try to change their
travel plans during Ramadan to be able to fast and should not travel unless it is necessary. The traveller
who misses the fasts of Ramadan must make up those missed days later as soon as possible after
Ramadan.

There are certain situations when it is optional to fast during the month of Ramadan, however,
the fast must be made up at a later date. This is the rule for the sick or for the one who is traveling.
However, women who are experiencing post-childbirth bleeding or are in their menses are not allowed
to fast until their bleeding ends. They must make up the days they missed fasting at a later date.
For those who cannot fast due to a permanent illness or old age, they have to pay fidiya (feeding one
poor person) for each day that they have missed.
Pregnant and nursing women, who are afraid that fasting may weaken them or the child, have the option
of fasting or not. After Ramadan ends, they have the choice of fasting or paying fidiyah (feeding one
poor person) for each day that they had missed during Ramadan. However, according to the Hanafi
School of jurists, such women are only to make up the missed days of fasting, and they are not supposed
to feed one poor person a day. On the other hand, Imaams Ahmad and Ash-Shaaf'i, hold the opinion that
if such women fear only for the baby, they must pay the fidiyah and make up the days later. If they fear
only for themselves or for themselves and the baby, then they are only to make up the missed days at a
later date.

Recommended Acts During Ramadan

SUHUR
The suhur is the predawn meal (which should be taken before the beginning of Fajr). Anas, may Allah
be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: Take the suhur for there is blessing in
it.

Abu Said AlKhudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: The
suhur is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a [gulp] of water, since
Allah sends mercy and His angels who seek forgiveness for those who take suhur. (Ahmad)

HASTENING

TO

BREAK

THE

FAST

(IFTAR)

It is recommended that the person fasting breaks his fast (iftar) as soon as the sun
sets. Sahl Ibn Sad, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: The
people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast. (Bukhari & Muslim)

BREAKING

THE

FAST

WITH

DATES

The Messenger of Allah, used to encourage thebreaking of the fast with dates and if they were not
available, then with water. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger of Allah used to
break the fast with fresh dates before praying, and if not with fresh dates then with old dates, and if not
with

TO

dates

then

with

MAKE

DUA

AT

some

THE

mouthfuls

TIME

OF

of

water.

BREAKING

THE

(Ahmad)

FAST

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: Three
supplications

are

answered:

the

supplication

of

the

fasting

person,

the supplication of the one who is oppressed and the supplication of the traveller. (Ibn Majah)

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: There are
three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler and
the

supplication

of

the

oppressed.

(Tirmidhi)

Indeed when the Messenger of Allah broke his fast, he used to say: The thirst has gone, the veins are
moistened

INVITING

and

the

reward

is

OTHERS

certain,

if

Allah

TO

wills.

(Abu

Dawud)

IFTAR

The Messenger of Allah said: He who gives food for a fasting person to break fast, will receive the

same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the reward of the fasting person.
(Ahmad)

GENEROSITY

AND

STUDYING

THE

QURAN

It is recommended to be generous (in spending from ones wealth) and to read the Quran at all times but
especially in the month of Ramadan. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger
of Allah was the most generous of all people especially in Ramadan when Jibrail used to come to him.
He used to meet Jibrail on every night of Ramadan and study the Quran with him. (Bukhari)

STRIVING

IN

WORSHIP

OF

THE

LAST

TEN

DAYS

OF

RAMADAN

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: The Messenger of

Allah used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times. (Muslim)

REFRAINING

FROM

ACTS

WHICH

ENDANGER

THE

FAST

One should refrain from every act which will endanger the fast and make it devoid of any rewards and
benefits. The Messenger of Allah encouraged the Muslim who fasts to display noble manner; to be far
from foul speech and evil actions; and abstain from rude and obscene talk. Two acts which should be
carefully avoided in his month are falsehood and ignorant and indecent speech. Abu Hurayrah, may
Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: Whoever does not abandon

10

falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his
food and drink.
In the context of indecent speech, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, also narrated
that the Messenger of Allah said: Fasting is not [merely abstaining from eating and drinking, rather it is
[abstaining] from ignorant and indecent speech, so if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you,
then say: I am fasting, I am fasting.

11

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Allah - Christianity. The Aramaic word for "God" in the language of Assyrian Christians is lh, or
Alaha. Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, use the word "Allah" to
mean "God".
Quran or Koran - the Islamic sacred book, believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad
by the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic. The Koran consists of 114 units of varying
lengths, known assuras; the first sura is said as part of the ritual prayer. These touch upon all aspects of
human existence, including matters of doctrine, social organization, and legislation.
Suhoor - is an Islamic term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before
fasting, sawm, in daylight hours during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Fidyah - are religious donations made in Islam when a fast is broken. The donations can be of food, or
money, and it is used to feed those in need. They are mentioned in the Qur'an which distinguishes the
two, but unifies them into one idea.
Laylat al-Qadr - variously rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of
Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures, is in Islamic belief the night when the first verses of
the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is one of the odd nights of the last ten
days of Ramadan. Muslims believe that on this night the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins
are forgiven, supplications are accepted, and that the annual decree is revealed to the angels who also
descend to earth.

11

Republic of the Philippines

Philippine State college of Aeronautics
Basa-Palmayo Campus, Florida Blanca Pampanga

CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
This chapter discuss the research methods available for the study of the Muslim Traditional
Practices in Chapter 1 to identify the most important of tradition which is fasting.

Thus this part of the study specifies the method research used, research design, respondent of the
study, data collection, instrument used, conducted semi-structured interview, description of the study.

For this study, the descriptive research method was utilized. In this method, it is possible that the
study would be cheap and quick. It would be hard to rule out alternative explanation and especially infer
causations. This study used use descriptive approach

12

Republic of the Philippines

Philippine State college of Aeronautics
Basa-Palmayo Campus, Florida Blanca Pampanga

CHAPTER 3
SUMMARY
Ramadan is one of the 12 months of the Islamic hijri Calendar. The islamic calendar is a lunar
calendar dependent on moon sightings. Ramadan may be 29 or 30 days all dependent on the moon
sighting and is commonly split in three phases:
Phase I: The first 10 days of Ramadan Days of Mercy
Phase II: The second 10 days of Ramadan Days of Forgiveness
Phase III: The last 10 days of Ramadan Days of Salvation
where the famous lailat ul-qadar, i.e. the night of fate or power, takes place in one of those nights
where those who work hard during the month with good intentions obtain good deeds equivalent to or
even greater than 1,000 months of charity and good deeds. If only one word could describe the month of
Ramadan, we believe it would be giving. Themselves: People give to themselves through the chance to
focus on reflection (body), detoxification (body) and life purpose (spirit), for a month of fasting and
abandonment of food and money. Friends and Family: People give to friends and family through
invitations to what is referred to as iftar, i.e. the break of fast or sunset meal. Poor and Needy: People
give to the poor and needy through charity in the form of money, food, or even moral support.
Community: People give to their communities through spreading of words of peace, acceptance, mercy
and open mindedness. Ramadan is celebrated around the world around the same time, again, based on
the moon sighting and is concluded by a celebration called Eid. The Eid after Ramadan is one of two
Eids in the Islamic Calendar which are equivalent to the once a year celebration of Christmas and
Hanukkah in Christian and Jewish beliefs respectively. There are lots of sources on the web that provide
more detailed information about Ramadan we thought we would share ours.

13

Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or
drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam.
As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.

12

During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families
get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a
meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering
of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And
in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as
well as kinship with fellow believers.

Conclusion
With the end of Ramadan concludes their Ramadan Hadith series.
Lets make it our aim to continue our good actions throughout the whole year and not just in Ramadan.If
a Muslim continues to have the patience to do righteous deeds after Ramadan, this is a sign that his
fasting has been accepted by Allah, the Most Generous, the Bestower of blessings.
The Muslim should make Ramadan an opportunity to turn over a new leaf by repenting, turning to
Allah, persisting in worshipping Allah, always being aware that Allah is watching at every minute of
every hour.
So after Ramadan the Muslim should continue to obey Allah and should avoid sin and evil actions, as a
continuation of the way he was during Ramadan and the things that he did then to draw closer to the
Lord of creation.
So dont stop any of your good actions that you started in Ramadan, rather continue them until next
Ramadan so by next Ramadan inshAllah you can add extra deeds to perform and these actions become
daily actions in your life. They ask Allah to keep them steadfast on their religion, to give them the
patience to worship him, to guide them to that which is right, to give them the sweet taste of imaan, and
to enter them in the highest levels of paradise.