Ramadan

Monday was the official start of the month of Ramadan.  Ramadan comes at a different time every year, because it is based on the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar.  So, this year it started on Monday (Aug. 1) and will continue for 30 more days.  The reason that Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan in particular is that this was the month in which the Quran was revealed to Mohammed back in 610 AD.

During this month, Muslims are obligated to fast from food, drink, smoking, and any kind of intimate relations during the daylight hours.  There are exceptions, of course.  Young children and the elderly, as well those who are sick or traveling are exempt from fasting throughout the month (although those who are traveling have to make it up later).  Traditionally, Muslims will wake up very early in the morning, before sunrise (like 3:30am) and eat a large meal together with their family.  This meal is called السحور (as-suhoor).  Then, many Muslims will go back to sleep for a while and then get up and go to work.  Many places shorten their hours for Ramadan so that their employees don't have to work as long while fasting.  After sundown, Muslims get together for another large meal called الإفطار (al-iftaar), which means the breaking of the fast.

Needless to say, fasting from sunrise to sunset is no easy task.  It is supposed to help Muslims remember their blessings and re-affirm their reliance on God.  It is also supposed to be a month in which Muslims make a larger effort to help the poor, read the Quran, and pray.  Finally, Ramadan is a time to restore broken relationships, whether with God or with neighbors, family members, or friends.

One last interesting fact about Ramadan is that the fasting that takes place during it is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam."  These Five Pillars are the central tenants of Islam.  They are:

• the declaration of faith (Shahada)
• praying five times a day (Salat)
• giving money to charity (Zakah)
• fasting (Sawm)
• a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime(Hajj)