Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
The month of fasting
by Holly Hartman
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each
month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar
is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2009
Ramadan begins at sundown on August 22.
For more than a billion
Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan
is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year
Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these
holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on
self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).
Why this Month?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the
first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a
caravan trader named Muhammad took
to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking
about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was
the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word
of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the
verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an.
At many mosques during
Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers
known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete
scripture will have been recited.
Fasting
Muslims practice
sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that
they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties)
of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm
from about age twelve.
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most
restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for
suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the
fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with
dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting
serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are
reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to
practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most
sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual
devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2009 occurs on
September 21. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one
of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the
Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest
clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to
children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of
generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good
deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the
end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to
share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to
mosques.
Glossary of Islam
View the annotated glossary or click on a link below to learn more
about the Islamic religion:
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