MudPumper
09-25-2006, 11:14 PM
Ramadan September 23-October 24, 2006
The Muslim holiday of Ramadan lasts one lunar month, and is marked by observing a fast between sunrise and sunset. People are expected to refrain not only from eating, drinking, and smoking during the fasting hours, but also intercourse, violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry/sarcastic speech, and gossip. Those who cannot fast, due to illness, disability, or other mitigating factors, are expected to participate by feeding needy people. These acts of physical and spiritual denial and care for others are meant to focus the heart away from worldly activities and cleanse the soul. One of the final 10 nights of Ramadan - the timing of which is unknown to worshipers - is the “Night of Power,” in which the rewards for prayers and deeds done in the name of Allah are magnified, and therefore attendance at mosque may increase significantly during this time.
The Muslim holiday of Ramadan lasts one lunar month, and is marked by observing a fast between sunrise and sunset. People are expected to refrain not only from eating, drinking, and smoking during the fasting hours, but also intercourse, violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry/sarcastic speech, and gossip. Those who cannot fast, due to illness, disability, or other mitigating factors, are expected to participate by feeding needy people. These acts of physical and spiritual denial and care for others are meant to focus the heart away from worldly activities and cleanse the soul. One of the final 10 nights of Ramadan - the timing of which is unknown to worshipers - is the “Night of Power,” in which the rewards for prayers and deeds done in the name of Allah are magnified, and therefore attendance at mosque may increase significantly during this time.