In this interview with the Style Vitae team, she shares her view of Ramadan, what it means to her, and how other religions can be more accommodating during the Ramadan fast.
What is Ramadan to you?
Ramadan is really not that different from Lent. It’s just a big deal because of the notion that Muslims are terrorists, so how can they be so "holy"?
We are already supposed to pray 5 times a day. So for Ramadan, during these prayers, you might pray longer. Or be more focused during the prayer and more direct with your requests to God. Then we fast before sunrise to sunset—no food, no water.
Can we also say Ramadan is a time for reflection and gratitude?
We typically do more charity and are nicer. It’s supposed to set the tone for the rest of the year, but we Heathens usually go back to our foolery as soon as it’s over.
Is there anything you do extra for Ramadan?
Nothing extra. The people that I know who “decorate” might have kids and want them to have that Christmas feeling, but as Muslims, we are supposed to be less ostentatious.
I’ll probably dress more modestly. I tie my hair and wear longer clothes, but nothing has to do with my home itself.
Is there often visitation to the mosque?
Yes. More People would generally go to the mosque this month
What are the customary dress guidelines for Muslim women?
A hardcore Muslim woman wouldn’t have any skin showing. Longer sleeves, no upper chest area or legs out
When do you break your fast, and are there any particular food preferences when breaking your fast?
We are supposed to break with an odd number of dates (3 is the norm) and then water. If there are no dates, other fruits. But you can eat whatever. People make it all about the food but fasting is less about the food itself and more about sacrificing and being grateful for what you have
What or how can Christians or other religions be more accommodating during Ramadan?
Be understanding if a Muslim needs to step out to pray or if a Muslim is a bit more tired than usual; don’t be so obnoxious and eat in their faces if you don’t have to. I know Christians who also partake in the fasting to learn more about the religion or just for the fit fam. lol.
Is this the Ramadan where people wine, dine, and share ram meat?
This is not the Ram Sallah. People will still cook meat but it’s not the main one
Is this suitable for Christians to share during the Ramadan fast?
Yes, sure. People send Ramadan hampers stocked with foodstuffs. Some include prayer mats, scarves, etc
What is the difference between the different Ramadan celebrations?
Eid Al Fitr (called small Sallah in Naij) is the feast/celebration after Ramadan. Eid Al Adha (big Sallah) is the feast/celebration after Hajj (when Muslims go on pilgrimage to Mecca). It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) for the love of God and God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead
The greeting “Ramadan Kareem” is used during fasting, right, and it means what?
Generous or Blessed Ramadan. Basically, Happy Ramadan!
Also, what would be the acceptable greeting after this fast, Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Kareem, Eid Mubarak. Naija style: Barika de Sallah
Conclusion
As we draw the curtains on this interesting conversation with Anto Lecky, let's pause to ponder the essence of Ramadan.
We wish all our Muslim readers a blessed Ramadan filled with love, joy, and spiritual growth.
Ramadan Mubarak!
