Ramadan

When a Muslim (a practitioner of the Islamic faith) sees the first sign of the new moon he rejoices in the knowledge that Ramadan has begun, and may say what is written under the moon to your right, which translates to something like:

'Allah is Greatest.  Allah is Greatest.  Allah is Greatest.  Praise be to Allah who created me and you and decreed for you the phases and made you a sign for the universe.'

Ramadan occurs during the entire ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which means each month begins with the new moon.  During Ramadan (which will begin this year on November 27th) Muslims rise very early in the morning, before the break of daylight, and eat their breakfast (suhur) for the day.  They will not eat again until the sun has disappeared.  Ramadan is a time for fasting, prayer, and self-assessment. 

Muslims fast during this time to strengthen their faith.  They say daily prayers and read from the Koran, Islam's Holy Book.  They practice kindness and respect towards their fellow humans.  And when night finally comes Muslim families break their daily fasts with water or a handful of dates before eventually enjoying a large, wonderful meal (iftar).  Muslims also go to mosques at night to come together as a community and strengthen their prayers in unity.

Music

Listen to a Muslim chant (special to the Circle of Light website) which serves as an invocation to Allah (God).

More about Islam...

Islam (which means 'submission to the will of God') began with the birth of Muhammad in A.D. 570.  Muhammad is the prophet of Islam and is said to have communicated with God, whose words through Muhammad were gathered together and formed the Koran.  Islam is founded on five rules, the Pillars of Islam.

There is much more to be learned about Islam.. go to our Ramadan/Islam part of our links page.

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