Muslims to begin a period of fasting for Ramadan observance

Muslims in the Mahoning Valley, as well as around the globe, will start their month of fasting beginning Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the moon phase.
Ramadan is a special month of blessings for more than 1 billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-control. Muslims think of it as time for kindness, contemplation and reading the Quran. It is also the time for purifying one's behavior, giving charity and doing good deeds.
Fasting during the day reminds one of how the less fortunate feel, appreciate God's bounties and feel grateful.
Fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is obligatory for adult Muslims. Young children are encouraged to fast as long as they can take it. They usually start with fasting for a couple hours a day, and gradually increase it to half the day, then the full day. Exempted from fasting are the elderly, the ill, pregnant and nursing mothers. Travelers and sick adults may break their fast, then make up for the days they missed after the month is over.
During daylight, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking and marital relations.
The details
The usual practice is to have a pre-fast meal called Suhoor (pronounced So-hur) before dawn and a post-fast meal called Iftar after sunset. It is very common for Muslims to break their fast with dates, following the custom of the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). This is followed by the sunset prayer, then dinner.
Since Ramadan emphasizes community aspects and everyone eats at the same time, Muslims often visit one another to share in the Ramadan evening meal.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The other pillars are: testifying that there is no God but Allah and that prophet Mohammed is his messenger; praying five daily prayers; paying charity to the poor and the needy; and going on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's life when capable physically and financially.
At the end of this month, Muslims gather to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr and enjoy their accomplishments. Muslims start the day by praying the Eid congregational prayer at the mosque then visiting one another, exchanging gifts and sweets. Eid celebration continues for three days.
XRanda Shabayek is a member of Masjid Al-Khair mosque in Youngstown.