Ramadan, the Arabic word for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is the Muslim holy month and is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith. It is in the ninth month of the lunar calendar in which Muslims believe that some of the first verses of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God, or Allah. Approximately 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan with varying forms of self-discipline, contemplation of one’s relationship with God, collective worship, generosity, and study of the holy book—practices that are very similar to those of other major religions of the world. Following the cycles of the moon, Ramadan falls on a different date every year, starting about 10 days earlier than in the previous year, and in the span of 33 years Ramadan will occur in all the seasons of the year. It begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. This year Ramadan is being celebrated from March 22 to April 20. One of the more commonly known practices of Ramadan is fasting. Most Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk, which serves to remind them to be thankful and to think of those less fortunate. During Ramadan, the daily break from fasting is called Iftar and is often celebrated in large groups at Islamic community centers, Mosques and in homes.
Generosity is commonplace all year in the Muslim culture, but during Ramadan it is obligatory to welcome all to the nightly Iftar. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the three-day Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Mosques host festivals and carnivals with food, games, and rides for children. Children receive new clothes, toys, and other gifts. Some Muslims perform acts of charity in addition to the usual required donation to the less fortunate. There is much socializing and visiting in each other’s homes. This is a very special time during which many Muslims greatly anticipate the making of amends, expressing forgiveness, and renewing relationships. Happy Ramadan! Ramadan Mubarak!