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Storytime Tapestry
Newsletter
The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural
awareness throughout the world.
Welcome to Fascinating Facts and Tantalizing Trivia
A Hartson Dowd Column
Sept
24, 2006
September 24th, 2006 RAMADAN and EID AL-FITR – {The month of Fasting}
Ramadan is the ninth
month of the Islamic calendar. Islam
uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new
moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar
calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2006
Ramadan will begin on September 24.
For more than a billion Muslims around the world—including some 8 million in
North America—Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer,
fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have
become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and
devotion to Allah (God). Muslims believe
that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.
Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night
a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told
Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that
followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed
as the Qur'an.
At many mosques
during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in
prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the
complete scripture will have been recited.
Fasting
Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for
the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing,
including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic
duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm
from about age twelve.
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the
daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before
the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet
drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are
reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to
practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred
month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion
as well as kinship with fellow believers.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with the
festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2006 occurs on Oct. 24. Literally the
"Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most
important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage
to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their
finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to
children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of generosity and
gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always
important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As
the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by
feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
Suhoor: Early
Morning Meal:
Since eating is forbidden during the day, Ramadan meals are eaten early in the
morning (suhoor) and again at night (iftar). The first meal of the day is
Suhoor, which should be eaten as close to dawn as possible. Traditionally, the
Suhoor might include porridge, bread or fruit. It is said that the Prophet
Mohammad himself recommended including dates as part of the Suhoor meal!
Iftar: Evening Meal:
Once the sun begins to set, the
daily fast is slowly broken with a simple snack-like bread, cheese or fruit.
Now that everyone is not quite so hungry, evening prayers are said, followed by
the big evening meal, called Iftar, which often includes a hearty stew or
spiced vegetable dish. Once Iftar is over, people will usually meet at the
mosque or at each other's houses for visiting and discussion.
Eid Ul-Fitr:
Feasting Finale:
When the new moon arrives to
signal the end of Ramadan, there is a colossal celebration called Eid ul-fitr.
The feasting and revelry of Eid ul-fitr are unparalleled by any of the other
dinners held during Ramadan. Eid ul-fitr is a time when the whole community
comes together to rejoice and, of course, eat!
Platters of steaming food, music, games and general merriment last until
the moon's silvery reflection begins to fade in the sky.
Hartson Sager Dowd
hsdowd@telus.net
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