Celebrating Ramadan: Amina Danmadami
Amina Danmadami, PhD student at the School of Engineering, shares what Ramadan means to her.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims. It is marked by a period of fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. These are five principles which are compulsory acts ordered by God: faith, prayer, fasting, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but it is also a time to practice self-restraint, self-discipline, and to avoid sinful behaviour.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan is a time for me to focus on improving my relationship with God by increasing my prayers, reciting the Quran, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness towards others. It is also a time I use for self-reflection, to renew my commitment to faith and to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings. Ramadan also provides me the opportunity to connect with community through sharing of meals called iftar.
What time during the day do you fast or eat and what are you allowed to eat?
Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs, from dawn until sunset, after which anything Halal can be eaten. Halal food refers to food and drink that is permissible according to Islamic law, as defined in the Quran which means any food or drink that is free from any forbidden substances, such as alcohol or gelatine derived from non-halal sources. Meat such as pork and its by-products, are not considered halal and are forbidden for Muslims to consume.
When on campus, where do you go to pray during Ramadan?
I pray at the Kaim Cottage, a dedicated prayer facility for members of the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Community. In Islam, it is recommended for Muslim women to pray in a secluded area of the home or in a designated women's section within a mosque. This is to provide a comfortable and private space for women to pray without being distracted or disturbed. I must commend ºìÐÓÊÓƵ for the thoughtful care that went into the provision of a clean, comfortable and private space for women at the Kaim Cottage where they can focus on their prayers and connect with God. I really enjoy being there and I love the colours used in the female washroom.
As a community, how can we be more supportive during Ramadan?
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ as a community has been very supportive through providing information about local contacts, the mosque and Islamic centre in Aberdeen. The community could support further by learning about the significance and meaning of Ramadan, offer words of encouragement, and avoid scheduling events or activities that may conflict with fasting or other religious obligations. These will demonstrate support and understanding of the importance of Ramadan to the Muslim community, and build a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
