On Monday, Aug. 1, the Muslim community in the Delaware Valley and around the world began the month-long fast of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset.
The fast is performed to exercise discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
We invite our friends of other faiths to attend our “Sharing Ramadan” events – interfaith iftars (fast-breaking meal) and other social activities hosted by local mosques. Mosques will also have special prayers, called taraweeh, after the daily nighttime prayer. In the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan, Muslims mark Lailat ul-Qadr (“Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny”).
The Quran, Islam’s revealed text, states: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” (2:183)
Ramadan is not only a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith through discipline and fasting, but to also make positive contributions to society through increased charity.
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