The Month Of Ramadan

For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer in the mosque and reading of the Koran. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is considered the holy month of fasting. This year Ramadan begins the evening of April 2 and ends on the evening of May 1.  

During Ramadan, it is believed that God forgives past sins of those who observe this holy month while fasting, praying and practicing faithful intention. However, Ramadan is less a period of atonement and more a time for Muslims to practice self-restraint, one of the five pillars of Islam. Between dusk and dawn, Muslims take this month to refrain from food, drink, sexual activity and what is considered immoral behaviors, such as unkind thoughts. According to Islamic tradition, it was on the “Night of Power” — commemorated on the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Koran.  

The pre-dawn meal during this time is called Suhoor. After the sunset prayer, friends and extended family gather in their homes or mosques to break the fast with a meal (usually starting off with sips of water and dates) called Iftar.

The book “Secrets of Divine Love,” authored by A. Helwa, is about Islam, drawing on the spiritual secrets of the Koran. Helwa best captures the importance of Ramadan on chapter nine, titled “Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting.” “We do not pray, fast, or give charity because Allah needs it, but because our spirits need to be in the presence of the Divine light to blossom. We are seeds, we are infinite potential hidden in the garden of a body, waiting to awaken through the mercy of Allah’s light.” 

When wishing someone a happy Ramadan one could say “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates to “have a generous Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “happy Ramadan.” 

To all those who celebrate, Ramadan Kareem!