Vanguard

Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Lifestyles

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar year and is believed by Muslims the world over to be the holiest month. Muslims believe that it was during this month that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar based upon the moon and its cycles, as compared to the modern Gregorian solar calendar, the dates of the observance of this month change each year. This year Ramadan began at sunset on Sept. 13 and ended on Oct. 12.

During the month of Ramadan, observant Muslims are expected to fast during daylight hours. Most rise just before dawn to eat breakfast just before their early morning prayer, and then they break their fast just before their fourth prayer of the day. Self-accountability and remembrance of Allah are especially stressed during this time of year. Also during this time of year Muslims are encouraged to read through the entire Quran or to recite it if they have memorized the full book as they are also encouraged to do. During Ramadan Muslims are also expected to refrain from sexual activity during fasting hours.

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most celebrated holidays in Islam, as well as a marker for the end of the month of Ramadan; some Muslims attest that it could be compared to Christmas for the Western world. Muslims put on their best, most often new clothes, and perform only two prayers that day as compared to the normal five. The rest of the day is spent visiting with relatives and good friends and feasting. Also, it is encouraged that Muslims remember the poor on this day and donate extra charity to the less- fortunate members of society.

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