The Month of Ramadan

      We would like to share a little information about Ramadan for those who may not know much about it. Starting on June 18th is the Islamic month of Ramadan. This date can vary by region based on the first sighting of the crescent moon. According to Islam this month is sacred because it was the month that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad. During this month a Muslim is required to fast from sunrise to sunset if they are physically able to. Fasting is one of the five pillars in their belief system. Spiritual rewards for fasting during Ramadan are believed to be multiplied, and they will usually spend more time doing their prayers (salat) and practicing self control.

      Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan, and many attend a special prayer time at the mosque in the evening where the whole Quran is recited over the months time. Towards the end of Ramadan, most employees receive a one-month bonus.The month ends on July 17th with a celebration breaking the fast called Eid-al-Fitr, where gifts are exchanged and friends and neighbors are invited to share a meal.

Men praying in front of the Blue Mosque in Afghanistan

       In some Muslim countries lanterns have become a special decoration welcoming the month of Ramadan. The tradition of lanterns as a decoration becoming associated with Ramadan is believed to have originated during the Fatmid Caliphate primarily centered in Egypt, where the Caliph was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time, lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the capital city of Cairo. Shopping malls, places of business, and people's homes can be seen with stars and crescents and various lighting effects, as well.

           Many Indonesians on the island of Java will bathe in holy springs to prepare for fasting. In the capital city of Jakarta firecrackers were set off to wake people up for their early morning prayers until the 19th century. Every evening in Indonesia a special drum called the Bedug is struck to announce that its time to break the fast for the evening meal.

The Bedug drum that is struck every evening in Indonesia to break the fast