Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims around the world begins today, June 5. During this season of prayer we wish all of our Muslim Kentucky neighbors and friends many blessings and God’s deep peace!
Like the Christian season of Lent, Ramadan is special and holy season with special practices. In Ramadan followers of Islam abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, then break the fast each night with family and friends. (Many families start the evening meal by serving dates, since it is said that that is how Muhammad ended each fast.) While fasting, followers are also encouraged to fast from all negative behaviors, anything that destroys relationship, and to spend the time not eating in the service of others, or in reading the Quran. Charity and giving to others is also a special part of the season. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and therefore the timing changes every year. This year those daylight fasting hours will be as long as 16-19 hours, the greatest number of hours in over 33 years.
Despite the long days of fasting, the month is a celebration, one that commemorates the giving of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. Readings from the Quran are often a part of each night’s meal to honor God’s gift to the people through the prophet. Visiting with neighbors, sharing the evening meal with family and friends, often make up the special memories of the season.
Christian friends of those celebrating Ramadan can be considerate of our friends going through long days with no food or drink. We can also join with all who are seeking to be closer to God in our own prayer life and our own charitable acts. We trust that God looks upon the heart and is hoping to see faith, hope, charity and love. May it be sought and found in all people, at every time!
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