EGM IFTAR

What does Ramadhan really mean?

• Fasting

• Intense heat

• Abstaining

• Coldness

Answer explanation

Fun fact: The word Ramadhan comes from the Arabic word, literally meaning "the hot month," from Ramad, meaning "dryness".

What is the main reason why Muslims fast during Ramadhan?

• To increase God-conciousness

• To cultivate patience

• Muslims are commanded to do so by God in the Quran

• To cultivate empathy

Answer explanation

While Muslims are highly encouraged to practice patience and empathy during this holy month, fasting during Ramadhan is especially important as the Holy Quran makes it clear that fasting was ordained compulsory on all Muslims and that they have to fast if they are to stay righteous.

What is the encouraged way to break one's fast with?

• Dates and milk

• Watermelon and water

• Honey water and yoghurt

• Green eggs and ham

Answer explanation

The tradition of breaking one's fast with dates and milk is rooted in the religious teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who would encourage one to break his fast with dates and/or water. Dates are also known to be a quick source of energy and nutrients, and eating them after a long day of fasting can help the body's blood glucose levels quickly return to normal. Having dates with milk facilitates digestion, as it contains dietary fibers.

What nullifies the fast?

• Using eye drops

• Injections

• Accidentally drinking water

• Intentional vomit

Answer explanation

Deliberately inserting something into an open orifice, or passageway would invalidate one's fast. Thus, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited. However, in instances where it is done out of necessity, such as for medical purposes, like injections do not invalidate it. Other instances would include deliberately causing oneself to vomit and menstruating women.

Who are exempted from fasting?

• Breastfeeding women

• Elderly with chronic illnesses

• Menstruating women

• All of the above!

Answer explanation

For an elderly person who finds it difficult to fast, it is encouraged for such a person to break his/her fast. This is the same for a sick person who has no hope that he/she will recover – he/she is also encouraged to break his/her fast. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come under the same heading as those who are sick.

Out of these, which country has the longest fasting hours in 2023?

• Greenland

• Saudi Arabia

• Malaysia

• South Africa

Answer explanation

The longest fasting hours are observed in Nuuk, Greenland with a total of 20 hours! Their sunrise is at 5:49am, and their sunset is at 9:03pm. Whereas the shortest hours are witnessed in Johannesburg, South Africa with 11 hours and 12 minutes. Singapore is around 12 hours. Still can tahan lah.

What is the actual term for Hari Raya Puasa?

• Eidul Adha

• Eidul Fitri

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri

• Selamat Tahun Baru

Answer explanation

Eid, itself means 'celebration' or 'festival'. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha often get confused, but they are two separate celebrations and have different meanings behind them. The two festivals are celebrated similarly, but they commemorate different things. Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and lasts for one day, while Eidul Adha follows the Hajj pilgrimage and typically lasts 3 days.

Muslims celebrate Eidul Fitr to...

• Celebrate success in practicing self-discipline through fasting in Ramadhan

• Visit family and friends

• Eat plenty of food and kuih

• To celebrate the Islamic new year

Answer explanation

Eidul Fitri is a celebration of the strength that got us through the Ramadan fasting period!

Which picture shows a ketupat?

• 
• 
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Which colours cannot be worn on Eidul Fitri?

• White - represents sacredness

• Black - represents death

• Yellow - represents royalty

• None! You're allowed to wear any colour!

Answer explanation

Muslims are encouraged to dress up and don new clothes for the day, as it symbolises renewal and new beginnings.