HOW HE SEES IT This is the month to learn about Islam

By RAEED N. TAYEH
KNIGHT RIDDER/TRIBUNE
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is upon us again.
And Ramadan is a great time for Americans to find out what Islam and Muslims are all about.
Our nation is like no other in its diversity, yet few of us know much about the various faith traditions of our neighbors, co-workers and classmates.
Unfortunately, what we think we know about religions that are not our own is often inaccurate and stereotypical. This fact is most apparent when it comes to perceptions about the Muslim faith.
Muslims are one-sixth of the world's population. Men and women, of all ethnicities, are Muslims. And just like members of other religions, some follow the rules and some don't. People should be judged on their actions, not on their religion or race.
From early October until the beginning of November, Muslims across America, and around the world, will be observing a month of self-sacrifice, charity and prayer. It is a time for spiritual rejuvenation, humbleness and forgiveness.
Those observing Ramadan fast every day from dawn to dusk, during which time they do not eat or drink anything, not even water. Food is served when the sun goes down. Those who observe the fast with sincerity will have their slate of sins wiped clean.
In the evenings, mosques swell with regular worshippers as well as occasional attendees and people who may be coming for the first time. They arrive for an evening service known as taraweeh. The goal is to recite a portion of the Quran during prayers each night, and to complete recitation of the entire scripture by the end of the month.
Charity is also an important part of the month. Muslims are mandated to donate 2.5 percent of their net wealth each year to needy causes. Many people give well beyond the minimum during Ramadan out of a desire to seek God's pleasure and forgiveness for their sins.
Relief effort
The spirit of Ramadan started early in some places this year. When Hurricane Katrina struck, a task force of national Islamic organizations pledged $12 million for the relief effort. Days later, the task force organized 2,000 Muslim volunteers and deployed them to the Houston Astrodome to assist those displaced by Katrina.
Observing Ramadan can be difficult at times for Muslims living in a non-Muslim society. Students observing the fast must either ask to be excused from lunch or sit in the cafeteria and salivate over sandwiches and snacks that never looked so good.
The end of Ramadan is marked with a three-day holiday known as Eid al-Fitr, or Eid for short. Families and friends visit each other, adults give out money or presents to children and everybody does a lot of eating.
Some school districts with large populations of Muslim students recognize Eid as an official holiday and give everyone -- Muslim and not -- a day off. In New Jersey alone there are four school districts that have such a policy.
Like Islam, many faiths have annual observances that require abstention from the sustenance we take for granted each day. Catholics observe Lent for 40 days to strengthen their commitment to Christ and to develop solidarity with the poor. Jews hold a 25-hour fast on Yom Kippur to atone for their sins. And Hindus commonly fast on various festive days as an act of purification and sacrifice.
In this our holy month, what Muslims in America want is respect. That, in itself, would help bring harmony.
X Raeed N. Tayeh is author of "A Muslim's Guide to American Politics and Government." The writer wrote this for Progressive Media Project, a source of liberal commentary on domestic and international issues; it is affiliated with The Progressive magazine. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services