“Ramadan: Same Faith- Different Upbringing”
Historically, the two main Islamic denominations, “Sunni Islam” and “Shia Islam,” celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This is a time of introspection and fasting, with the same devotion but different traditions.
Their diversity in beliefs about faith and rituals stems from a historical conflict over religious succession. Fasting is an example of how Sunni and Shia Muslims differ from each other in their religious practices, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan, one of Islam's five pillars, is a holy month for any Muslim. The Five Pillars of Islam guide a Muslim's religion and behaviors, which include the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, prayer (Salat), charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and statement of faith (Shahada).
Together, they create the foundation for a faithful and conscientious life following Islamic teachings.
The month of Ramadan is sacred because it was in this Holy Quran that the Prophet Muhammad was revealed.
Interestingly, fasting during Ramadan has both spiritual and physical benefits, according to studies, including improved mental clarity and detoxification. The fast, which begins in early March and counted 11 days earlier according to the Gregorian calendar, is calculated for 354 days according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast's equivalent name, “Eid al-Fitr” or “As-saum,” is translated from Arabic as "abstain."
This month is a time that Muslims devote to training the spirit, contemplation, meditation, additional prayers, active study of the Quran, and reflection on their relationship with Allah. However, it is not welcome if the goal of fasting is only motivated by commonplace reasons, including trying to purposefully break the fast or viewing it as a personal challenge.
It is not appropriate to see fasting as a challenge or a test of one's willpower. It is better to avoid fasting completely or, at least, prepare for it earlier by taking care of one's health and being aware of the spiritual value of the practice.
The main components of fasting are daily fasting and doing good deeds or charity. During the day, Muslims cannot drink or eat until “iftar” (evening meal), at which they start their meal with prayer (dua) and close it on “suhur” (early morning meal).
Breaking the fast during Iftar is seen as a spiritual reward and an opportunity to reunite with faith. Iftar usually begins with a glass of water and dates. Iftar is considered the fruit of the paradise plant, and the beginning of a good cleansing.
There are certain conditions and exceptions for holding a fast.
The three mandatory conditions are: to be a Muslim, to have a sound mind, and to have no reason to prevent fasting. However, there are also reasons why it is allowed not to fast: an illness that can worsen health, long-distance travel, the onset of the menstrual cycle, loss of consciousness or sanity, or being underage.
The majority of Sunnis are located in the countries from the Middle East to North Africa, Asia, and Africa. The largest branch of Islam is Sunni, which is widespread in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Morocco.
The majority of Muslims in many of these regions live according to Muslim customs. The diverse cultures of these countries, with a predominance of the Sunni population, represent a wide range of ways to interpret and express Islamic teachings.
In contrast, Shia Islam is the majority in countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Bahrain.
There are also several countries with large Shia populations, including Lebanon, Yemen (Zaidi Shiites), Saudi Arabia, aSyria (Alawites close to Shiites), Pakistan, India, Afghanistan (Hazaras, mostly Shiites), and Turkey (small Alawite population). Moreover, there are countries with small but significant Shiite populations such as UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman (there are also Ibadis).
There are minor differences between Ramadan for Sunnis and Shias.
Firstly, Sunnis stop fasting after sunset, but when the sun is still shining in the sky. On the other hand, Shias wait until the sun's rays completely disappear from the horizon before breaking their fast. They carry out their practice, waiting until it is fully dark.
Another important, distinguished aspect is the different approaches of Sunnis and Shias to the religious rituals of Ramadan. Shias, for example, often attach more importance to memories and mourning of important figures in the history of Islam, especially in the last days of Ramadan.
Sunnis also do not have additional holidays during Ramadan. They celebrate only Eid al-Adha, a holiday in honor of the end of fasting. However, Shiites single out the last days of the month (19th, 20th and 21st) as days associated with tragic events in the history of Islam, namely with the martyrdom of Imam Ali, "Shahada Imam Ali."
Nowadays many visions, trends, observances, and traditions vary depending on the country and individual. For example, in the most modern and progressive Muslim countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in Central Asia, there is freedom in following traditional customs based on personal choice, in contrast to conservative and extreme countries.
In countries such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen, the observance of these traditions is strictly mandatory, often imposed by law, religion, or society, which leaves little room for personal choice. The customs of individual Muslim families and their cultural backgrounds are also reflected in these variations. In a multicultural country where different religions are preached, the younger generation is especially becoming more tolerant, respectful and inclusive towards other nationalities.
Zarin Islam, a student at Santa Monica College, said, "I grew up here, but my family is from Bangladesh. I started fasting at the age of 5 because it was a tradition of our family, but over time I realized that it did not come from the motives of my parents, but from a personal need.”
“The Quran is a philosophical book for me, therefore despite the fact that my family is quite conservative, I respect and do not condemn other Muslims who are different from me in some way, this is everyone's choice," said Islam.
In the Turkic Muslim countries there is a certain phrase used among Muslims when they perform prayer, fasting or a good deed: “Kabyl bolsyn,” which means "Let it be accepted."
In the United States, Muslims more often use "May Allah grant you Shifa." This expression is often used as a kind wish and a comforting prayer for health and healing. In Muslim communities globally, especially in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Arab countries, it is also widely used as a means of expressing sympathy and prayer for the well-being of others. “Shifa” means "cure" or "healing" in Arabic, an Islamic phrase that implies "get well soon."
Quite often, Muslims are faced with a stereotypical idea of their appearance and vision from other nations. While bringing everyone into the same pattern, people from different cultural or ideological traditions may develop biased and critical views without taking into account the broader consequences of their perception. In the future, they may show ignorance and lack of enlightenment towards others.
Unfortunately, because of the sharp and provocative news about extremist Muslim groups, there formed a preconceived notion about Muslims. Moreover, many fail to recognize that people and religious beliefs can vary. This misunderstanding frequently gives the impression that Islam is associated with radicalism or violence, which is not at all how the religion is actually practiced.
Zakaria Jabar, Ethiopian student and president of the Muslim Student Association, said, “Ramadan and everything that Allah has prescribed for us is, of course, sacred and obligatory for every Muslim, but it must come from the heart, and not under compulsion, because this will not lead to peace and balance that we leave on this earth. I started this path when I was 8-9 years old, but now I realize that this is my personal conscious choice, and faith helps me with that.”
Our every act and choice comes from our hearts. Therefore, even though Sunni and Shia Muslims have different traditions and practices, they have the same path and God.
The Persian-Tajik Sufi poet Mavlana Jalaladdin Muhammad Rumi said, "Different paths lead to the same God, and what matters is not which road you walk, but with what kindness and love you walk along it." His words serve as a reminder that compassion and understanding are what truly unites people, regardless of their cultural and religious differences.