Join Muslim neighbors and celebrate Ramadan

By Habib Rahman and Nora Khalil

Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims around the globe. Islam’s holy book, the Quran, was revealed during Ramadan. Muslims follow the lunar calendar so Ramadan advances by 11 +/- days every year, so that a person gets to experience it in all seasons over a lifetime.

What do Muslims do during Ramadan? In the 50+ Muslim majority countries, Ramadan is the most festive month of the year. Homes and public places are decorated with banners and colored lights; animals are festooned, and in warmer climates, it is common for family and community celebrations to last all night long. Celebratory rituals vary by country.

Ramadan is also a time of prayer, reflection and charity. Most Muslims fast during Ramadan. This means abstaining from all food and drinks (yes, even water or coffee), sexual acts, anger and bad behavior from from sunrise to sunset. The objective of the requisite abstinence is exercising self control, being grateful for what one has, and experiencing sympathy for the less fortunate, especially those facing food insecurity and hunger. Breaking fast at sunset is known as Iftar, and Muslims are strongly encouraged to share Iftar with others – Muslims, friends and neighbors. The local mosque in Wayland hosts open Iftars on several days during Ramadan. If you would like to join us, we recommend you go to the ICB website icbwayland.org and sign up for an Iftar.

Ramadan is the month when Muslim families come together. There are two ritualistic meals that are eaten together: the morning pre-dawn meal or Suhoor and the evening Iftar. For many busy families, the only time of the year when everyone eats together is during Ramadan. The joy of eating together is multiplied despite the early rising, late dinners and for many, extra night prayers called Tarawih. Ramadan is a physically challenging month for Muslims: pre-dawn Suhoor, a regular workday, Iftar at sunset, followed by nightly Tarawih prayers at the mosque. This is repeated the next day and continues for the entire month. However, it is rich in family, community, spirituality, self control, empathy and good food.

Ramadan is also a time of giving. By experiencing hunger, Muslims are reminded to increase their generosity and charitable giving. Indeed a special giving or Fitra is required of every Muslim before the end of Ramadan which is followed by the biggest of Muslim celebrations – Eid al Fitr, expected to be on Friday, March 20 this year. Muslims wear new clothes, exchange gifts, visit one another, and feast on their favorite dishes. If you have never attended an Eid Day feast, ask your Muslim neighbor to invite you for the next Eid.

Habib Rahman and Nora Khalil are longtime Weston residents.