作者:瑞恩·克拉克
CHS通讯总监
For many worldwide, the Islamic month of Ramadan is associated only with fasting and prayer. 但它的意义远不止于此——尤其是对一些教员而言, 健康科学学院的教职员工和学生.
伊斯兰历的第九个月, Muslims believe Ramadan is about connecting with God and their communities. It is believed that the Quran was first sent down to Muhammad during this month as guidance for all people, 提供对与错的定义.
因为这个深刻的含义, 从3月10日晚上开始,穆斯林将庆祝斋月, 并在4月9日晚上结束——以多种方式结束. 是的, 禁食和祷告, 努力避免不纯洁的思想或不道德的行为也是如此.
这是一个特殊的时刻,但也是一个可能被误解的时刻. 为了获得清晰的思路和启示,我们已经联系了Dr. 赛义德·阿里·, associate professor of anesthesiology and chair of UK’s 教师 and 工作人员 Muslim Affinity Group.
随着斋月的临近,我们有5个问题要问. 赛义德·阿里·:
我想我们可以在这个神圣的月份里强调这一点, 所有健全的成年人, 大一点的孩子从黎明禁食到日落,不吃东西, 水, 以及其他生理需求, as well as the striving to avoid impure thoughts or immoral behavior during the daylight hours. 每天晚上以开斋晚餐结束斋戒. 这个一年一度的纪念活动是精神反思的重要时刻, 自律, 以及对上帝的虔诚.
Here are some common challenges that people may face while observing Ramadan:
值得注意的是,虽然这些挑战可能存在, many people find Ramadan to be a deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching experience. With proper preparation and support from family and community, many of these challenges are overcome.
全世界的穆斯林都遵守斋月. The range of observances during Ramadan can vary based on cultural and individual practices, 但这里有一些常见的仪式,人们可能会看到:
是的, there is some flexibility within the rules of Ramadan observance for individuals who are facing external situations. While the observance of Ramadan is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and mentally able to fast, 在某些情况下,豁免可能适用. 例如, 那些正在旅行的人, 怀孕了, 护理, or have a medical condition that prevents them from fasting may be exempt from fasting. 在这种情况下, they may either make up for the missed fasts at a later time or provide compensation by feeding a needy person for each missed day.
The rules of Ramadan observance are intended to accommodate individuals who are facing circumstances, and it’s always best to consult with a religious authority or a healthcare professional for guidance on how to properly observe Ramadan while prioritizing one’s health and wellbeing.
作为教师, 工作人员, 和学生, 我们最能支持那些遵守斋月的人的方式就是同情他们, 尊重, 以及对他们宗教信仰和习俗的理解. 这里有一些实用的方法来支持他们:
还记得, the most important thing you can do to support those who are observing Ramadan is to be 尊重ful and understanding of their religious beliefs and practices.
作为医疗保健提供者, it is important to work with our Muslim patients and coworkers during the month of Ramadan. We can provide guidance on healthy eating habits during non-fasting hours and advise on medication and treatment management. It is also essential to 尊重 and support our patients' religious practices during this season.
Culturally, Muslims may be greeted on the occasions of onset of Ramadan as well as at the end of it. In the beginning of the month the usual greeting is “Ramadan Mubarak” [Blessed Ramadan], 或“斋月Kareem”(慷慨的斋月). 斋月结束的时候, 这一天被称为开斋节, 或者是斋戒盛宴, 人们互道“开斋节”或“开斋节快乐/祝福”!”