Behaviors and perceptions before and during Ramadan- Tremdina: The Feeling of Ramadan

Abstract

Islam is the fasted growing religion in the world33. Each year Muslims celebrate Ramadan, a month-long holiday, to strengthen their faith by abstaining from food, alcohol, sexual activity, cursing, and smoking31,33. During this time, Muslims cease these habitual behaviors rapidly at the start of the holiday. What happens to individuals stress levels and wellbeing when these habitual behaviors stop? The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of the month of Ramadan on Moroccan individuals in relation to stress. The study includes the perspectives of 54 Moroccans conducted through Google Form surveys in French and English and two personal interviews. The majority of individuals had a sudden measurable change in habitual behavior during Ramadan. However, the majority of individuals did not feel stressed during the month of Ramadan and experienced an array of positive emotions. The novelty of Ramadan and faithfulness to Islam could overshadow an individual’s increase in stress levels during Ramadan due to sudden changes in habitual behavior.