The Fast of Ramadan

I bet you didn't know that lots of Muslim families live in America. Well, they do! I am Muslim and proud to be an American too. Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the U.S. One of our big religious events is the Fast of Ramadan. Something really cool, the year 2000 was the first time in hundreds of year that the closing day of Ramadan was the same day as Christmas.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which overlaps with the regular calendar month of December. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran [our sacred book] "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation."

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lifes. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict rules govern the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking is also forbidden during fasting (along with certain other adult activities.)

At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.

According to the Holy Quran, one may eat and drink at any time during the night :

"until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"

The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things:

• the telling of a lie
• slander [ruining someone's good name]
• accusing people behind their backs
• lying
• being greedy

These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, 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.

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year

When the month-long fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.