A brief history of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims observe strict fasting from sunrise to sunset. The purpose of Ramadan is to remember when Allah (god) gave the first chapters of Quran (the religious book of Islam) to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan Muslims fast and pray to become closer to god.
This year Ramadan begins Thursday April 23 and ends in the evening of May 23. This date could change since the beginning of Ramadan and ending depends on the cycle of the moon. Each year Ramadan begins about eleven days earlier than in the previous year. Muslims believe that during this month Allah revealed the first verses of Quran knows as, “The Night of Power.”
During this fasting time Muslims don’t eat food, drink liquids, smoke cigarettes or engaging in any sexual activity form dawn to sunset. This is one of the most sacred months of the year for Muslims because according to The Book of Fasting, “The month of Ramadan entered, the gates of heaven were opened, the gates of hell were closed, and the demons were chained.”
Fasting everyday from dawn to sunset sounds very serious and boring, but for Muslims this is a time of celebration and joy to spend with family.
During Ramadan, Muslims wake up before dawn to eat their first meal. This is when they would eat a lot of high protein foods and drinks to last them until sunset. Then at dawn they perform morning prayer. In many Muslim countries businesses and schools may reduce their hours due to Ramadan.
In the end of Ramadan there is a big three-day celebration call Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It’s a religious holiday where Muslims come together for a big meal with family and friends and exchange presents. This can be described as a Muslim version of Christmas.
At USC Aiken Muslims students are a small portion of the population. Still, you might know someone who is Muslim and is about to go celebrate of their beliefs.
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control and sacrifice.
