Community Corner

Ramadan Begins for Muslim Neighbors - An Explanation of The Observance

Muslim Neighbors Start Month of Dawn to Dusk Fasting.

Many of Gaithersburg's Muslim neighbors began one of their most important observances this week: Ramadan.

Here's an explanation of Ramadan from The Huffington Post: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is the month of fasting for observant Muslims. Because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan shift slightly each year.

Officially, the month begins with the sighting of a new moon. This has historically been a point of contention as the timing of the moon's visibility may vary by location, but the start and end dates are now generally agreed upon based on modern understandings of the lunar calendar. In 2011, Ramadan begins on August 1. The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. This year Eid ul-Fitr will fall on August 30.

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The origins of Ramadan draw significantly from the occasion of Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as "the Night of Power." It was on this night in 610 C.E., that Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and led the entire month to be seen as a holy time in the calendar.

Observance of Ramadan is also mandated in the Quran's second chapter, verses 183-185.

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During the month of Ramadan, adult Muslims engage in ritual fasting from sunup to sundown. This practice, Sawm, which is the same as fasting, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires that individuals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse. Each evening, Muslims will break the fast at sundown with Iftar, a traditional meal often beginning with the eating of dates -- an homage to a practice of Muhammad.

To find the specific times for Ramadan fasting, click over to this helpful tool provided by IslamiCity that allows you to calculate prayer schedules -- including sunup and sundown -- by entering your city or zip code.

All Muslims are expected to observe the fast once they reach the age of puberty.

In general, the practices of Ramadan are meant to purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God. Many Muslims go beyond the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to purge themselves of impure thoughts and motivations -- anger, cursing, greed, etc. As part of this, service to the community and to those in need is a major emphasis of activity throughout the month.

The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, takes place on the first day of the following month and celebrates the completion of the 30 days of fasting. On this day, morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebration among family and friends. Eid is a day of great thanksgiving for Muslims -- an opportunity to show their gratitude for making it through the month of fasting and a chance to share their blessings with others.

Source: The Huffington Post.


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