By KATELYN FINDLEY
Features Editor
This year on Sunday, March 11, Ramadan—the month of fasting for Muslims—began and will end on Monday, April 8.
Ramadan takes place during the time Muhammad recieved the first verses of the Quran in 610 CE (common era). Musliums believe the Quran is a holy book that cantains the revelation from God.
Ramadan does not have a set date. Islamic calendar follows the literal cycles of the moon, and each month only begins when the new moon is sighted.
Ramadan starts when the new moon is sighted that month. Because they rely on the shifting of the moon, the date for Ramadan moves with the rotation.
The start day is different for everyone. The people rely on the moon to tell them when the start of Ramadan starts. The location of a person’s changes when they can view the new moon thus moving the start date.
The Islamic people have a calculated date to estimate when the new moon will rise. Some choose to follow the calculated date strictly. Some choose to use a mixture of the new moon and the calculated date rather than relying solely on the new moon or solely on the calculated date.
The start and end is represented with a meal. To begin the month of fasting, a special predawn meal called Suhoor is enjoyed before starting the daily fasting. To close the month, they partake in a sundown meal called Iftar that symbolizes the end.
Each day of the fast, Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual relations during daylight, eating before sunrise and after sunset.
Where did Ramadan begin?
Ramadan took place in the seventh century around 624 CE. It originated in the city of Medina located today in Saudi Arabia.
Does everyone fast for the full month?
The fasting that takes place during this month is required except for special circumstances.
Those who are ill, pregnant, traveling elderly, and during a woman’s menstruation are exempt. However, those who are excused make up these days during the year. You can incorporate it into different weeks or fast them altogether.
