Ramadan

The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar arrives with the sighting of the new moon. The month of Ramadan is a special period for Muslims the world around – a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, reading of the Qur’an, charity, and fulfillment of the third pillar of Islam, fasting. During this lunar month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and likewise abstain from smoking and sex. A meal sahoor, is eaten before sunrise and a much larger one, iftar, after sunset. Iftar is often communally celebrated with family and friends. The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of spiritual power and commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed. The twenty-seventh night of the month is known as Laitlat al-Qadr, on which the Archangel Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Qur’an to the Prophet. The first three days of the tenth month in the Islamic Calendar, which is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the new month, are known as Eid al Fitr, a period of celebration and feasting.

Peter R. Mansoor “Baghdad at Sunrise” A Brigade Commander’s War in Iraq

This is to help all who have wondered without clarity about a most important holiday in the Muslim world.

Fare paid.
CABBY