Special Fasting Rules
for Swedish Muslims
NEWS FLASH - Fasting in Ramadan Could Mean NO FOOD, NO DRINK, NO FUN* - DAY & NIGHT FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH (you would die). So, what to do when the sun don't stop shining?
Northern Sweden and Norway have long winters with NO SUN. But summer could be worse for Muslims. At least those who are trying to fast the entire month of Ramadan.
Why? Because the sun NEVER SETS in the summer at all! June & July - FORGET ABOUT DARKNESS
New guidelines were issued by scholars concerning these "Light Days" of endless daylight in the very northern part of the world.
"When can we start and break the fast during the holy fasting month of Ramadan in cities where the sun never sets?" - asks one older Muslim.
"Do we still have to fast even though we would die!??" - asks a convert Muslim.
According to Imam Mahmoud Khalfi at the Islamic Association of Kiruna in Northern Sweden, "When we didn't have so many Muslims in Sweden this wasn't a big issue. However during the last few years it has been a problem."
"Many suggestions on how to do it. Should we follow Makkah or fast the brightest hours during day and night?"
These are just some of the questions the imam faces when fasting comes during this time of the year.
Taraweh of Ramadan began June 28 in Sweden, on Saturday. Fasting started on Sunday. This year the lunar calendar (basis for Islamic months) moves backward 11 days in the sun calendar (Sun Worshipers calendar since Roman pagans).
Naturally, Muslims in the extreme south or north part of the world be challanged two times a year with the sun either staying out day & night in the summer or disappear completely in the winter.
The month of Ramadan on the Hijra (lunar) calendar means fasting to all adult Muslims.
Take a close look the image one the right. See the mountains? This is Tromso Norway and in broad daylight, the time is not midafternoon - It's just AFTER MIDNIGHT
That means (in daylight hours) NO FOOD, NO DRINK, NO MARITAL RELATIONS between dawn and sunset.
But what does Islam say about a place where the sun never sets in summer, and never rises in winter?
Or does even have answers to these questions?
Answers come from teh European Council for Fatwa & Research, in their published guidelines, following the sunnah (way or tradition) of Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Whenever there is a difficulty, Islam has presented the ease or solution through the Mercy of Allah by way of the One who sent him (Muhammad, peace be upon him) with the true message of Islam.
One ruling from the council says Muslims may follow the calendar used in Stockholm or Malmo Sweden.
Another option mentioned, is to use the last properly dark days on the calendar (May 1st).
Either way, it is still quite a long time to fast. But keep in mind the very short days coming up when Ramadan falls in the winter months! (approximately 16 and a half years from now).
Muslims residing in Vasterbotten (northern Sweden) are fasting from just after 3 AM in the morning and breaking their fasts just after 9 PM.
Muslims are over 350,000 of the population of Sweden's 9,000,000 people (about 4%).
| This is MIDNIGHT in Tromso, Norway Look at the clock - it's not 12 noon It's 12 MIDNIGHT |
Fasting in Ramadan teaches the Muslims patience, self-control, and spirituality - as well as be kind, generous, giving, respectful and above all considerate of others.
Drawing closer to Allah through prayers, reading the Quran and good deeds.
Muslims also dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.The majority of Muslims prefer to pay Zakah for the poor and needy during the month.
Enjoy & Share these great websites with everyone you can think of, for the extra rewards from Allah.
Pray for Allah to accept from brothers and sisters in Sweden, Norway and extreme parts of the world and for us too!
Ramadan Mubarak!
Dawah - www.WhatsIslam.com
Comments
Please make du'a for the whole Muslim Ummah.
Wasalaam
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