Ramadan

For Muslims throughout the world as well as for the millions of Muslims in the United States, Ramadan is the most important time of the year. Non-Muslim commentaries on Islamic culture often focus on the influence of the religion on [Page 1806]Middle Eastern laws and governments, or the role of Muslim extremists in terrorism, while ignoring the faith's spiritual values that are exemplified in the celebration of Ramadan. The ninth lunar month in the Muslim calendar, Ramadan is the month in which Muslims claim the Prophet Muhammad first received his revelation from Allah, which was recorded in the form of the Qur'an. The rituals and observances held in Ramadan are in remembrance of this event. Observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the basic obligations of all Muslims.

Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called suhoor, and at sunset, families observe a fast-breaking meal known as iftar, shown above set out on the floor. These two meals are a traditional part of the Ramadan.

Specifically, Ramadan is observed with a month-long, daylight fast. Although this requires an intense level of commitment, it is a religious observance that like the fasting of Catholics during Lent, is easily accommodated by work and school schedules and so does not require any adjustments in one's public life. On the other hand, in many countries where Muslims are the majority of the population, Ramadan is very much a part of public life, with restaurants opening before sunrise to accommodate the fasting schedule. Muslims fast from dawn until after sunset each day for the 29 to 30 days of the month. During this time each day, Muslims refrain from eating food, drinking liquids, or engaging in sexual relations. According to the practices of the Muslim faith, there are many rewards for fasting, but these rewards are multiplied during the month of Ramadan. In Muslim countries, work and school hours are usually shortened during Ramadan, both to allow more time for religious observance and to account for the low energy levels of those who are fasting. In the United States, Muslims who do not experience such accommodations may find it difficult to adjust.

As a lunar month, Ramadan does not begin on a consistent day of the 365/366-day solar calendar. Most American Muslim communities follow the lead of the Islamic Society of North America in determining the start and end dates for Ramadan. The observance always begins at sunset. In 2013, for instance, Ramadan was observed from sunset on Monday, July 8, until Wednesday, August 7.

All Muslims are to start fasting during Ramadan after they reach puberty. However, there are exemptions for those who are sick or unhealthy. In addition, there are exemptions for those who are traveling, on their menstrual cycle, ill, suffering from old age, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Although fasting during Ramadan is not compulsory for children, many Islamic children strive to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later in life.

Although Muslims are expected to fast during the daylight hours of Ramadan, they are allowed to eat before dawn and after dark. During the month-long celebration, practitioners of Islam observe a morning meal before dawn called suhoor. Just before dawn, Muslims stop eating and get ready for the first of the five daily prayers required as another of the Five Pillars. After sundown, Muslims are able to break their fast with another ceremonial meal, known as iftar. Iftar is typically celebrated buffet style, with large numbers of people from the social group. This is a time of fellowship with family, friends, and members of the larger community. After the celebration, practitioners of the faith then stop for the fourth prayer of the day.

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