Ramadan is a holy month for all Muslims of the world, during which obligatory fasting is observed. Its purpose is spiritual and physical cleansing, education of self-discipline. From this article you will learn how to congratulate a Muslim on Ramadan and what to wish, what can be presented as a gift, why this month is so important for the followers of the Islamic religion.
What does Ramadan mean
Fasting is that during the daytime (from dawn to sunset) believers do not eat and drink, refrain from smoking and sex. Traditionally, visits to relatives and friends, distribution of alms, reading of the Koran, special holiday prayers in the mosque and at home, reflections on one's life path and priorities are traditionally made on these days. The meaning of fasting is the triumph of the spirit over the desires of the flesh.
Many people wonder if representatives of other religious denominations and atheists congratulate Muslims on Ramadan. Each person decides this question for himself. If there is such a desire, then you can congratulate, because your Muslim friends will be very pleased to hear kind sincere words inholy month for them.
Fasting in Ramadan is so important for the followers of Islam because it promotes spiritual growth and strengthening of faith, clears the mind and thoughts, equalizes and unites the poor with the rich, awakens the desire to do good and improves relations between people. Therefore, believers rejoice so much at the onset of the month of Ramadan, as well as its completion, when the test of stamina and faith is left behind, but new, higher feelings have settled in the soul.
Congratulations
Welcoming and congratulatory words can be said on any day of the holy month, but it is especially good to do this on the day the fast begins or ends. The latter is widely celebrated by all Muslims and is called the Feast of Breaking the Fast (in the Turkic languages \u200b\u200bEid al-Fitr, in Arabic - Eid al-Fitr).
If you want to find out how to congratulate Ramadan, then you will be interested to know how Muslims do it themselves. The classic phrase that combines congratulations and greetings is “Eid Mubarak!”, which literally translates as “Blessed is the holiday!”. It is customary for Russian Muslims to say these words on the day of the Feast of Breaking the Fast. And in many Islamic countries they say this in connection with any Muslim holiday.
You can congratulate and more specifically: "Ramadan Mubarak!" - which means, respectively, "Blessed Ramadan!". But it can also be translated as "Congratulations on the month of Ramadan!".
In addition to traditional phrases, it is also appropriateto express sincere wishes for he alth, patience, mutual understanding in the family, strengthening of faith, nobility of thoughts and deeds. You can say (or write): "I wish you to pass this post with dignity"; "May your prayers be accepted"; "I wish you to live this great month righteously", etc.
Gifts for Muslims
Now you know how to congratulate Ramadan. If there is a desire, then your good wishes and parting words can be accompanied by a gift. What is appropriate to present to a Muslim man? The Quran is always the most relevant gift. It can be a beautiful edition, or a convenient "traveling" version in a leather cover and clasp, or even an audiobook. You can also donate supplies for prayer. This includes a rug, special clothing, a compass to determine the direction of prayer, decorative wooden Quran stands.
You can pick up a souvenir in the department of Muslim goods. The choice is large: a calendar with photos of mosques or sayings from the Koran, a themed bookmark for a book or a fridge magnet, audio recordings of azan (singing call to prayer), a silver ring, an embroidered skullcap, an Islamic T-shirt, etc.
If you didn't know before how to congratulate a Muslim on Ramadan and what to give, now you have several options to choose from, from simple souvenirs to serious gifts.
Gifts for Muslim women
And what can be presented to a woman on the occasion of the completion of the holy fast? Will be a good giftclothing or decor items: prayer vestments, a beautiful hijab, a stole, a scarf or shawl, a Bonnet cap (holds hair under a shawl), an Islamic-themed painting or wall panel, a shamail (a sample of Arabic calligraphy in a frame). Girls and women in honor of the great holiday will always be pleased with jewelry and cosmetics: Arabic oil perfumes, high-quality antimony, gold pendants or earrings.
Don't forget about edible gifts for Eid al-Fitr. For the followers of Islam, he alth care is important, so they will gratefully accept black cumin or olive oil, as well as honey and various sweets (halva, Turkish delight, baklava, etc.).
The youngest Muslims, although they do not fast, also receive gifts in honor of the holy month. Before congratulating a family on Ramadan, you need to make sure that all children receive gifts of equal value. You can't offend anyone. Suitable gifts can be, for example, illustrated Quranic stories, stories about the prophets, and so on. If you wish, you can find a lot of children's literature on Islamic topics. It is appropriate for a very small child to give a medallion or a pendant with a crescent moon: silver for a boy and gold for a girl.
Now you know how to congratulate Ramadan correctly, what to wish in connection with the beginning of fasting and what to give Muslims in honor of the end of their holy month.
