Muslims will observe holy month of Ramadan

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Qur’an 2:183.

Muslims in the Valley, as well as around the world, are preparing to observe Islam’s holy month of Ramadan.

This year, Ramadan begins on or about Monday. Sighting the new moon confirms the beginning date of each lunar month.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan also is the month that the Qur’an (Muslims’ holy Book) was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the “five pillars” of Islam. The greeting during the month is “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Blessed Ramadan.”

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from the break of dawn to dusk. Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures during the day. They usually eat a pre-dawn early-morning meal (known as Suhoor), and another (known as Iftar) right after sunset.

Among the goals that fasting helps Muslims achieve are self-discipline, self-restraint, piety and generosity. Exempt from fasting are young children, travelers, the elderly, the sick and pregnant and nursing women. Muslims usually observe the month of Ramadan by reciting the Qur’an and offering extra nightly prayers.

Charity also is encouraged to help the less-fortunate members of the community feel the joy of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan ends on or about July 5, with the festival of Eid Ul-Fitr. The festivities start with early-morning communal prayers and breakfast, followed by a day of feasting with family and friends. Many Muslims exchange gifts and sweets, feeling thankful to God for enabling them to fulfill His commandments. Homes are usually decorated to mark this happy occasion as well.

The greeting on Eid day is “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid.”

Randa Shabayek is a member of the Masjid Al-Khair mosque in Youngstown.