Ramadan Begins
The Free Muslims Coalition (FMC) wishes everyone a blessed month of Ramadan.
This month marks one of the holiest occasions for Muslims. FMC has included some background information on Ramadan to facilitate friendly relations between the different religions. We ask American Muslims to celebrate Ramadan with non-Muslims by inviting non-Muslims to their homes, mosques and community centers.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, worshiping and contemplation but it is known primarily as a month of fasting. During the Fast of Ramadan, strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with a meal called the iftar (breakfast). Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. In the evening following breaking of the fast, it is customary for Muslims to visit family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning but before the fast resumes, families usually get up early in the morning for Suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises and is usually around 5:00am. This process is repeated for approximately 30 days.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic holidays "move" each year. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah and will begin on October 5.
FASTING
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. During Ramadan, most Muslims who are able, search for ways to help those who are less fortunate. While helping the poor can be done in many ways, many in the Muslim world generally visit their local meat shop, purchase an entire cow or sheep, divide it into portions of several pounds and give it to the poor in their neighborhood. Others may visit a local orphanage and buy clothing and school supplies for an orphan for an entire year.
WHY THIS MONTH?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, God revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, which is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe that the Quran is the Third and final Testament following the Torah (Old Testament) and the Bible (New Testament).
According to Islamic tradition, approximately 1400 years ago a merchant trader named Muhammad was traveling when the voice of the angel Gabriel called on him from the night sky to receive and deliver God’s message. The Angel Gabriel is the same Angle found in the Bible. According to Islamic tradition, God sent the Angel Gabriel to deliver the Third and final testament, the Quran. It is important to note that the Quran is not intended to replace the Old or New Testaments. To the contrary, Muslims believe that the Quran was sent to confirm and incorporate the Old and New Testaments. For Muslims, the message of Islam is the same message that began with Adam and continued with Noah, Abraham, Mosses, Jesus, John, Paul and many others. In fact, Muslims recognize and respect all the figures found in the Old Testament and New Testament. An example is that of Jesus Christ. Similar to Christians, Muslims believe in the Immaculate Conception and the Quran refers to Jesus as the Messiah. In fact, Muslims believe that in the end Jesus will return and whoever follows him will be lead to the correct path.
As to Jews, Muslims believe in all the Jewish prophets and messengers. In fact, Muslims and Jews share much of the same biblical history and even share similar dietary rules.
THE FEAST OF FAST BREAKING
When the fast ends it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). During this celebration, gifts are exchanged; Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and to share large meals. In addition, people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
For more information, visit our website at www.freemuslims.org
This month marks one of the holiest occasions for Muslims. FMC has included some background information on Ramadan to facilitate friendly relations between the different religions. We ask American Muslims to celebrate Ramadan with non-Muslims by inviting non-Muslims to their homes, mosques and community centers.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, worshiping and contemplation but it is known primarily as a month of fasting. During the Fast of Ramadan, strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with a meal called the iftar (breakfast). Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. In the evening following breaking of the fast, it is customary for Muslims to visit family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning but before the fast resumes, families usually get up early in the morning for Suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises and is usually around 5:00am. This process is repeated for approximately 30 days.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic holidays "move" each year. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah and will begin on October 5.
FASTING
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. During Ramadan, most Muslims who are able, search for ways to help those who are less fortunate. While helping the poor can be done in many ways, many in the Muslim world generally visit their local meat shop, purchase an entire cow or sheep, divide it into portions of several pounds and give it to the poor in their neighborhood. Others may visit a local orphanage and buy clothing and school supplies for an orphan for an entire year.
WHY THIS MONTH?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, God revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, which is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe that the Quran is the Third and final Testament following the Torah (Old Testament) and the Bible (New Testament).
According to Islamic tradition, approximately 1400 years ago a merchant trader named Muhammad was traveling when the voice of the angel Gabriel called on him from the night sky to receive and deliver God’s message. The Angel Gabriel is the same Angle found in the Bible. According to Islamic tradition, God sent the Angel Gabriel to deliver the Third and final testament, the Quran. It is important to note that the Quran is not intended to replace the Old or New Testaments. To the contrary, Muslims believe that the Quran was sent to confirm and incorporate the Old and New Testaments. For Muslims, the message of Islam is the same message that began with Adam and continued with Noah, Abraham, Mosses, Jesus, John, Paul and many others. In fact, Muslims recognize and respect all the figures found in the Old Testament and New Testament. An example is that of Jesus Christ. Similar to Christians, Muslims believe in the Immaculate Conception and the Quran refers to Jesus as the Messiah. In fact, Muslims believe that in the end Jesus will return and whoever follows him will be lead to the correct path.
As to Jews, Muslims believe in all the Jewish prophets and messengers. In fact, Muslims and Jews share much of the same biblical history and even share similar dietary rules.
THE FEAST OF FAST BREAKING
When the fast ends it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). During this celebration, gifts are exchanged; Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and to share large meals. In addition, people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
For more information, visit our website at www.freemuslims.org
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