Ramadan
By: Sofia Sharif
September 18, 2008
Muslim students here at Crawford Complex are practicing fasting since Ramadan started September 1st. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and special
month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the
world. It is a time for inner reflection,
devotion to God, and self-control. It is during this month that Muslims observe
the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast from dawn to
sunset and in the evening eat small meals.Ramadan is a “month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity.
Fasting
Muslims fast every day of the month of Ramadan. The daily period
of fasting starts at the breaking of dawn and ends at the setting
of the sun. During the dawn and daylight hours Muslims don’t
eat or drink. This practice is called "sawm." The fasting
person is expected to do his/her best to not complain and to
avoid getting angry. They are supposed to focus on inner peace.
At the end of the day the fast is broken with the "iftar" meal. Sick people, travelers, and women in certain conditions
are exempted from the fast but must make it up, as they are able.
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.
Night prayer (Taraweeh)
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the mosque and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. During Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
Eid al-fitr
Muslims fast for an entire month and when the fasting ends they celebrate for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). During this day’s gifts are exchanged, friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals, and in some cities fairs are held at parks to celebrate
To learn more about Ramadan visit http://www.theholidayspot.com/ramadan/
|
