Step Feed

During the month of Ramadan, people tend to have a lot of questions regarding the practice of fasting in particular, and Islam in general.

Muslim human rights activist, U.S. lawyer and Twitter hero Qasim Rashid recently took to the micro-blogging platform to address a few of those common questions.

Got questions? Check out his Ramadan FAQ thread below :)

Ramadan explained in 17 tweets

Getting lots of ?s on #Ramadan so here's a short thread for my Western & non-Muslim friends. Share w/anyone interested in accurate info /1
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

So what is Ramadan?

The first word ever revealed was "Iqra," which means to read, convey, or recite. This sums up Islam—a faith based on education & dialogue /3
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Fasting was a thing even before Islam

The Qur'an wasn't first Scripture to prescribe fasting. Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc all fasted as Qur'an 2:184-185 clearly acknowledges. /4 pic.twitter.com/2pSoBCx2kn
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Fasting is not meant to cause physical harm

If you're traveling, sick, aged, or young—no fasting for you. For women—periods, pregnancy, or nursing—no #Ramadan fasting permitted. /6
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Which is why not everyone is required to fast

Fasting occurs from sun up to sun down. Muslims abstain from food & drink, and also from intimate physical relations w/their spouse. /7
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

So how does fasting work?

But #Ramadan fasting goes beyond that. Prophet Muhammad(sa) made clear that this is a month of moral reformation, not starvation. /8 pic.twitter.com/8arzTsHln9
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Think the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) cares about Ramadan?

Ultimately fasting is between you & God to attain nearness to Him. Forcing people to fast as some Muslim majority nations do is nonsense /10
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Fasting is a matter of choice, not a matter of law and state legislation

I didn't fully start fasting until I was a grown adult. This is what Muhammad (sa) taught. Kids need nourishment. DONT MAKE KIDS FAST. /11 pic.twitter.com/b4SX1QyQKV
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Muslims are supposed to be able to fast freely according to the dictates of their conscience. Some authoritarian governments though, violate this fundamental right. Some ban the Ramadan fast, while others enforce it.

Children are exempted from fasting

But here's the thing about #Ramadan. We don't dread it coming. We love this month. It is a time of self-improvement, peace, & progress /12
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Muslims love the month of fasting for many reasons

#Ramadan = annual reset button. U break bad habits & build strong new habits. U repair broken relationships. How can you not love that? /13 pic.twitter.com/QN0wbFI3vr
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Anyone is welcome to join if they like

Ultimately, #Ramadan is a month of forgiveness & attaining nearness to God. God forgives all sins, a promise He makes in the Qur'an /15 pic.twitter.com/IEDBkRZoIc
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Giving back is a part of worship

Finally, here's a great read on Ramadan if you want to learn more: https://t.co/op2AwzDlzx

Thanks for reading & #Ramadan Mubarak! 17/17
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) May 30, 2017

Ramadan Mubarak

Thank you for taking the time to teach. Is it appropriate to wish someone a 'good' or 'happy' Ramadan?
— Diane (@awesomemom5150) May 30, 2017

Aaaaaand people loved it!

Learning about #Ramadan in 17 helpful tweets from @MuslimIQ. Thank you! https://t.co/ZEb1R1cm9x
— Deb Fiscella (@DFMPR) May 31, 2017

Both Muslims...

#Ramadan broken down quite eloquently by @MuslimIQ for non-Muslim friends! https://t.co/hQbGazX2zP
— SaimaAnj (@SaimaAnj) May 31, 2017

And non-Muslims alike

Knowledge is both power and peace. Thank you @MuslimIQ Ramadan Mubarak https://t.co/USHdFh12ez
— Kelly (@belikeaduck) May 31, 2017

The informative thread lead to more questions, answers and Ramadan greetings, and ultimately more understanding, mutual respect, and, most importantly, love!

Thank you Qasim Rashid!

Here's everything you need to know about Ramadan in 17 tweets

A simplified Ramadan FAQ.

Ramadan explained in 17 tweets

So what is Ramadan?

Fasting was a thing even before Islam

Fasting is not meant to cause physical harm

Which is why not everyone is required to fast

So how does fasting work?

Think the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) cares about Ramadan?

Fasting is a matter of choice, not a matter of law and state legislation

Children are exempted from fasting

Muslims love the month of fasting for many reasons

Anyone is welcome to join if they like

Giving back is a part of worship

Ramadan Mubarak

Aaaaaand people loved it!

Both Muslims...

And non-Muslims alike

Study reveals ancient Egyptians closer to Levantines than Africans

Here's everything you need to know about Ramadan in 17 tweets

A simplified Ramadan FAQ.

Ramadan explained in 17 tweets

So what is Ramadan?

Fasting was a thing even before Islam

Fasting is not meant to cause physical harm

Which is why not everyone is required to fast

So how does fasting work?

Think the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) cares about Ramadan?

Fasting is a matter of choice, not a matter of law and state legislation

Children are exempted from fasting

Muslims love the month of fasting for many reasons

Anyone is welcome to join if they like

Giving back is a part of worship

Ramadan Mubarak

Aaaaaand people loved it!

Both Muslims...

And non-Muslims alike

You may also like