A. During Ramadan, Muslims do this for an entire month.
II. Central Idea/Specific Purpose Statement: After hearing my presentation today, you will have a greater understanding of the Muslim tradition of Ramadan.
A. Relate the Topic to the Audience: Several years ago, I passed a mosque in Evansville. I was surprised there was a mosque in
Evansville, and then realized I knew nothing about Muslim culture. This paper gave me the excuse to learn something. Though Ramadan is a Muslim practice, it is similar to Christian practices such as Lent and even Christmas.
B. Establish Personal Credibility: By conducting thorough research …show more content…
Ramadan celebrates the Angel Gabriel bringing the Quran to Muhammad.
A. In 610 A.D., a man named Muhammad was traveling in the desert near Mecca when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him to tell him God’s word.
1. Ramadan celebrates the month it occurred.
2. Ramadan is considered so important in the Islamic faith that it is one of the five pillars of Islam.
B. The date of Ramadan changes each year. Muslims do not use the traditional Gregorian caledendar, but instead use a lunar calendar that is approximately ten days shorter. Therefore, in a lifetime one would celebrate Ramadan in every month.
Transition to Main Point #2: While Ramdan may be an old practice, it does not get any easier each year.
II. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith and requires significant sacrifices.
A. From sunup to sundown during Ramadan, Muslims must abstain from food, drinks, smoking and sex.
1. Generally, Muslims eat two larger meals during Ramadan. They rise early and have a large meal in the morning, and consume another large meal when the sun goes down. Pregnant women, the ill, and prepubescent children are exempted from the requirement. When they do eat, the food is generally more expensive and is likely to be a favorite food amongst the …show more content…
Additionally, those who are well off financially are encouraged to give away 2.5 percent of their wealth.
Transition to Main Point #3 However, Ramadan is not that foreign.
III. Though Ramadan is a Muslim custom, it is similar to Christian practices.
A.
1. Much like Lent, Ramadan requires one to give something up in an attempt to be closer to God. Though not strictly enforced, one is supposed to fast between the three meals during Lent. Also when Ramadan and Lent end, there is a celebration at the end. Lent is followed by Easter, and Ramadan is followed by the celebration of Eid al- Fitr.
2. Where the two differ is Ramadan requires a greater sacrifice than Lent does.
B.
1. Ramadan is similar to Christmas. There may not be presents under a tree, but it is highly commercialized. Ramadan is globally the second biggest commercialized celebration. It is second only to Chrismas. In Egypt, people stock up on food purchasing twice as much as they normally would much like people in America stock up around Christmas. Like the many Christmas specials that come out in America, Arabic countries release T.V.’s biggest shows around