As the sun rose Friday, the first day of Ramadan began a 30-day long fast for Muslims in which they control temptations and remove material goods from their lives.
For information on Ramadan services and events in the Valley, click here to view the Reseda Islamic Center's calendar.
Ramadan, or "scorching" in Arabic, is the ninth month of the Arabian calendar. The month signifies an important time for physical and mental purification by removing material needs.
After the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E., Ramadan was established as a Holy Month for Muslims. Comprising one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan is sawm, or a "ritual fast" in Arabic.
During Ramadan, Muslims and non-Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Before the sun rises, Muslims eat a predawn meal called suhur. After the sun sets, they eat iftar to break the fast. The post-dawn meal often starts with eating dates, practicing the rites that Prophet Muhammad followed.
Because people need to pray after they break their fast, families typically prepare dinner at home instead of going to a restaurant. Embracing the communal aspect of Ramadan, some Muslims host friends and family in their home for a group iftar.
On August 19, Eid-ul-Fitr, or the "feast of the fast breaking," marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate with prayers and a large community feast.
Although most Muslims consider it mandatory, some groups of people don’t fast such as pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, children who have not gone through puberty, travelers, and those who are sick or at health risk.
To greet someone who is fasting, say Ramadan Mubarek or Ramadan Kareem which mean "Have a blessed or generous Ramadan."
