Ramadan: A Journey of Spiritual Fasting and Celebration
Ramadan is not merely a calendar month but a time of deep spiritual practice that unites millions of believers around the world. During this sacred period, Muslims observe a strict fast that involves abstaining from food, drink—including water—and carnal relations during daylight hours. This ritual not only serves as an expression of devotion to religious mandates but also symbolizes purification and spiritual rebirth, underscoring the importance of self-discipline in everyday life. After the daytime fast, the time for iftar arrives, transforming into a true celebration of spirituality when restrictions lift and every moment is imbued with special ritual significance. This practice originates from a divine revelation that moderated earlier, harsher fasting traditions, bestowing upon it the meaning of achieving inner harmony and unity with higher spiritual values. This balance between strict abstinence and festive celebration enables believers to feel a profound connection with God and themselves, reminding them of the transformative power of discipline and faith.
What are the religious justifications and traditions associated with the consumption of water during Ramadan?Ramadan is considered a sacred month in which the fundamental religious obligation is the observance of the fast—one of the pillars of Islam. An important component of this fast, according to tradition, is the abstention from consuming food and drink (including water) during daylight hours. As noted in one of the sources, "The Ramadan fast consists of not eating, not drinking, and not engaging in carnal relations..." (source: link txt). Thus, the prohibition of drinking—as well as eating—has a clear religious foundation derived from the revelation given to Muhammad, which moderated the longer and stricter fasting practices of the past.After the period of daytime abstinence, it is time for iftar, when the awakened spirituality is celebrated and one may freely consume food and drink—which naturally includes water. In this way, the tradition not only highlights the spiritual strength gained by renouncing earthly delights during the day but also symbolically marks the transition to a festive time of iftar, where all that was once forbidden becomes permitted, acquiring a special ritual significance.Supporting citation(s):"The fourth pillar is to observe the fast of the month of Ramadan. ... And therefore, the Ramadan fast consists of not eating, not drinking, and not engaging in carnal relations..." (source: link txt)