Ramadan 2009

In 2009, Ramadan will begin on or about August 21 and will end with Eid al-Fitr celebrations on or about September 19.  Ramadan and Eid dates differ among countries.

Presidential Message, Ramadan 2009

On behalf of the American people – including Muslim communities in all fifty states – I want to extend best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem.

Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word – iqra. It is therefore a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another, and to God. more 

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• Ramadan Kareem, view video

PHOTO GALLERY

Observing Ramadan Worldwide

Many of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims will observe the month of Ramadan in different ways, blending their own cultural customs with Islamic traditions of prayer and fasting. In the United States alone, Muslims come from more than 80 countries and represent a mosaic of ethnic, linguistic, ideological, social and economic groups.

Although the principal teachings of Ramadan remain consistent, the fusion between religious tradition and diverse cultures embodies the interconnectivity and diffusion of a modern, globalized world.

Young Muslim Americans

Young Muslim Americans are making their mark on American society. Whether through academics or extracurricular activities, young Muslim Americans are balancing their commitments to their schools and communities with their devotion to their Islamic faith. Here, America.gov profiles some of these young Americans.

FEATURE : A MULTICULTURAL RAMADAN

My Ramadan: Four young Muslim American authors explain what Ramadan means to them.

• The First Fast
• The Lessons of Ramadan
• Ramadan: An American-Egyptian Perspective
• Ramadan in a Multi-Faith Family

E-PUBLICATIONS

Being Muslim in America  (March 2009)
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The young women pictured on our cover are both Muslim. They live near Detroit, Michigan, in a community with many Arab-American residents. Each expresses her faith in her own way, with a combination of traditional and modern dress. Here, they compete fiercely on the basketball court in a sport that blends individual skills and team effort. They - along with the other men, women, and children in this publication - demonstrate every day what it is like to be Muslim in America.

e-Journal USA : Freedom of Faith (August 2008)
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The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities.  This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to these demographic changes to remain true to the principles of freedom of faith. 
Inside this publication 

TIMELINE: Muslims in America
A timeline of notable Muslim-related events in U.S. history

• Muslims in America Key Events Part 1 (from 1619 to 1934)
• Muslims in America Key Events Part 2  (from 1957 to 2007)

BLOGS

Talking Faith :
Express your views on topics like freedom of faith and religious identity. Come join the discussion.