Ottawa, August 23: With many using popular online social networking sites to get fasting tips and exchange Ramadan diaries, modern technology is giving the holy fasting month of Ramadan a special taste.
“The spirit of Ramadan is the same,” Arij Elmi, a 21-year-old Canadian Muslim, told.
“But what has changed is that instead of looking at a calendar, I can look at my friends’ Facebook status to see what is coming.”
Elmi often uses Facebook, the world’s largest online social network, to get helpful recipes and tips for getting the most out of the daily fast during Ramadan.
“Something people typically do is overeat as soon as it’s time to eat,” she said.
“I have one friend who sends out messages on Facebook reminding people to eat in moderation or use a small plate.”
Muslims also use Twitter, a free social messaging utility that has become an Internet sensation, to exchange Ramadan greetings and encourage each others to be more dedicated during the holy month.
Some Twitter users also use the network to encourage their peers to read more in the Qur’an and send their favorite verses on a daily basis.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Founded in 2004, Facebook’s membership was initially restricted to students of the Harvard University.
It was later expanded to other universities in the US and later to any student with a university email address from all over the world.
Facebook has grown to more than 70 million users worldwide to be the second social networking website after MySpace.
Twitter is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time that has grown in popularity in recent months.
Distraction
However, some Muslims see the online networking sites a distraction that could cause the loss of Ramadan spirit.
“Through Facebook, you may be communicating with people you’re not supposed to,” Majed Mahmoud, a member of the Muslim Students Association at the University of Windsor, told the Star.
“This may lead to a higher relationship, advances, meeting each other, committing things that they’re not supposed to do.
“They want to stop those initial steps,” he said.
Muhammad Ali Inam, 23, said Ramadan is a time for prayers and dedication, not a time for twitting and following up social networks.
“During the daylight hours, you’re not allowed to be with the opposite gender too much,” Inam said.
“Maybe they’re trying to give up excess intermingling.”
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.
It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.
Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.
“The whole purpose (of Ramadan) is to get rid of the most basic instincts. If you can give up those, you will be able to give up minor sins as well.”
-Agencies