[Event] Holy Month of Ramadan

From: Daksha Howard <howardd_at_beloit.edu>
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2024 10:44:47 -0600

*"The Holy Month of Ramadan"*

* Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024*

* Several of our Beloit College students (some faculty and staff members
too) will observe Ramadan in many ways, including fasting. During this
time, please give students consideration in attendance, exam, and/or
assignment times and schedules.*

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*Here is what you need to know about its significance, how Muslims observe
the month, and how non-Muslims can wish their friends and neighbors
"Ramadan Mubarak".*

Every year, Muslims fast each day of Ramadan from dawn until dusk, for the
month.* This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday,
March 10, 2024*,* and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. *The Islamic Calendar
follows a lunar cycle, and while these are the calculated expected dates of
Ramadan, they can differ from place to place based on moon sightings. Some
Muslims strictly follow calculations, while others strictly follow moon
sightings, and some follow a combination of both. What Muslims choose to
follow can depend on their religious convictions, where they have lived in
the world, and what their families practice. *The day after the end of
Ramadan, (Wednesday, April 10, 2024) is a religious holiday called
Eid-al-Fitr.*

*What is Ramadan, and why is it important? *Ramadan is the ninth month of
the Islamic calendar and is marked by fasting, reflection, charity, and
prayer. It is believed that the first verses of Islam's Holy Scripture, the
Quran, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this time. For each day
of Ramadan, fasting consists of abstaining from eating or drinking,
including water, while the sun is out. Once the sun has set, Muslims eat
dinner, a meal called “iftar” in Arabic. Iftar is generally a
community-focused meal, where family members and friends come together for
the blessed occasion. Afterward, eating and drinking during the night are
allowed until the dawn of the next day. During Ramadan, it is customary for
Muslims to pray extra nightly prayers and participate in other religious
practices throughout the day and night, when possible. They will often wake up
for or stay up until “suhur”, a pre-dawn meal.

*How do Muslims celebrate Ramadan? *During the month, more than 2 billion
observant Muslims worldwide participate in a fast that requires them to
abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset
every day. This practice is an important aspect of the Islamic faith and is
observed with utmost respect and devotion., said Hussam Ayloush, the
executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, except for
the ill, pregnant, traveling, elderly, and/or menstruating.

At dusk, after finishing the sunset prayer, or the *Maghreb*, Muslims
celebrate with a meal known as the *iftar*. This means, "Breaking the
fast," and the meal is often shared with family and friends. This ritual of
daily fasting gives Muslims a period of spiritual reflection, Ayloush said.
"Being without food and drink throughout the day hopefully builds in us a
kind of empathy where we feel very grateful for the blessing we receive
from God ... and the way to show thankfulness is also by being empathetic
to those who have less of these privileges," he said. Muslims will also
avoid negative acts like gossiping, lying, and arguing during the month.

 *How do Muslims give charity during Ramadan? *Charity is a very important
practice in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims will often hold food drives or
fundraisers to help the less fortunate.

*What other rituals do Muslims perform during Ramadan? *Many Muslims will
perform an extra prayer at night during Ramadan called *Taraweeh*. They
will also celebrate Laylat al-Qadr later in the month, which is the day
many believe the Quran was first revealed.

*How can non-Muslims greet their Muslim friends and neighbors
during Ramadan? *Non-Muslims can wish Muslims "Ramadan Mubarak," which
means, "Have a blessed Ramadan," Ayloush said. "They can say,
'Happy Ramadan,' 'Joyful Ramadan.' Anything you can say would be greatly
appreciated by your neighbors," he added. When Ramadan is finished, Muslims
will celebrate Eid al-Fitr or the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast'.
During this celebration, children receive gifts from family and friends.
Muslims may also recite a special prayer during the morning of Eid,
followed by a community celebration with food and games.


*“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test
of our civilization.” -Mahatma Gandhi*


Daksha Howard

Program Coordinator

Residential Life

Beloit College

Phone- 608-363-2125

Email - howardd_at_beloit.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm - Monday Through Thursday

Friday - 8 am to 1 pm



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Received on Fri Mar 08 2024 - 10:44:42 CST

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