NAJIA KURDI Ramadan: A month full of beauty, blessings

As the sun sinks low in the horizon, I, along with millions of other Muslims around the world, prepare to end another day of fasting. The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us once again. It comes as a reminder to each of us to be grateful for all we have, as well as a time to practice self-control and kindness.
The sun dips below the horizon and the call to prayer sounds. Muslims from all around the globe gather together in their homes, at the mosque, at work, or at school and say the short prayer before taking their first bite of food, which will break the fast they started at sunrise.
I break my fast tonight with some dates, which has been the tradition of Muslims for more than 1,400 years. I am amazed once again how wonderful something as simple as a date can taste after having eaten nothing all day. My thoughts move quickly to all those countless people in desperate situations, who may not have eaten for days. I count my blessings as I leave the plate of dates behind and turn my focus on the sunset prayer, which is offered before indulging in a full course dinner with my family.
A very special time
Ramadan is a time of contemplation and sacrifice. It is a time of kindness and extra worship. It is a time to make new resolutions and help the poor.
More than 1,400 years ago it was also the time when the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Koran from the Archangel Gabriel. During this month, which is marked by the coming of the new moon (as Muslims follow the lunar calendar) Muslims around the world rise before sunrise to eat a small breakfast before beginning their day of fasting. From sunrise to sunset for the whole month, Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations. We also make an extra effort to be kind, generous and patient with all those around us.
Pillar of Islam
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is therefore obligatory. However Islam is not meant to be a religion of difficulty and so certain people are exempt from fasting. These people include children under the age of puberty, the elderly, the ill, as well as the pregnant and nursing mothers.
Ramadan is a beautiful time; a time of appreciation and gratitude. It is a time of giving and helping and visiting and getting to know each other. Ramadan is a time of character building, discipline, reading the Koran and moving closer to God. It is a time to look forward to and benefit from. Ramadan is a month I personally look forward to all year. It has a special feeling of togetherness and blessings.
A big celebration
At the end of this month Muslims around the world will gather together to celebrate what we have accomplished by fasting all month. We will celebrate our holiday called Eid Al-Fitr by a special prayer at the mosque, visiting one another, exchanging gifts, and best of all (after a month of fasting during daylight hours) eating a big feast!
So if you know a Muslim at work or at school and you see him sitting out for lunch, you will know why.
XNaji Kurdi resides in Austintown. She attends services at Al-Khair Mosque in Youngstown.