Ramadan Kareem!

Beginning June 18th, and ending July 17th, we have entered the Holy Month of Ramadan. Not familiar with this particular holiday? Well you're in the right place!

Photo credit to Google Images.

WHEN- Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which actually has 355 days with its twelve lunar months (so each year starts with the new moon). That being the case, Ramadan starts about 10 days earlier every year (in 2013 it began on July 8th), if you're keeping track with the Gregorian calendar.

HISTORY- According to tradition, it was during Ramadan that the Archangel Gabriel selected Muhammad to receive and speak the words of Allah which are preserved to this day as the holy Quran. Unlike the Christian bible which is nearly always read in translation, the Quran is normally read in its original Arabic language. Thus, in Islam, the Quran is especially sacred as the direct word of God. (The classical Arabic of the Quran is of a higher, more complex, form than the Arabic of modern books and newspapers.)

WHAT HAPPENS- Muslims mark Ramadan by fasting each day form sunrise to sunset. This is a strict fast - no food and no drink of an sort, not even water. Smoking and sexual activity is not allowed for those who are fasting. The faithful rise early in the morning and take a meal, Suhoor, before dawn and first prayers. Their next meal is called Iftar and is taken after the sunset prayer. Within the faith, exceptions are made for the old and infirm, young children, and pregnant/nursing mothers. 

Zakāt, or "poor rate," is also mandatory during Ramadan, and is a fixed percentage of an individual's savings that is then donated to charity. Sadaqah is basically service and charity given during this time. Both of these are often met and exceeded, with much enthusiasm, in practicing families. In addition to the charity and fasting, people are encouraged to perform nightly prayers and read the Quran.  

Throughout Ramadan, families get together to share food and company in the evenings and night-time, and the emphasis is always on reflection, prayer, and charity. Ramadan is not commercialized.

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My friends who observe Ramadan hardly, if ever, mention it, which is a huge contrast from those who celebrate Christmas these days. Although it may have spread from solely a religious practice with the health and cultural benefits, it's extremely sacred and spiritual from those who practice it, and very important. If you know anyone observing Ramadan, make sure to respect the fact they are fasting (like, don't invite them over for brunch. Come on.) and give them a "Ramadan Kareem!"

Also, if you're in a country that is widely Muslim, be careful of the roads around sunset. Who wouldn't be in a rush to get to their homes and dinner?

Credit of information from American Councils for International Education and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan#Charity