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Muslims to begin celebration of Ramadan officially Monday June 6

Ramadan, the 9th Month of the Islamic Calendar, officially begins on Monday June 6 in the early morning, after the first sighting of the new Moon. Fasting will begin at dawn the following morning. Muslims around the world will begin fasting during daylight hours each day for the entire month.

Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. The five Pillars of Islam are monotheism, daily prayer, charity, Ramadan fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims believe that the Gates of Heaven open during this month and the Gates of Hell close.

The Islamic Calendar is based on the Lunar Calendar, similarly to the Jewish religion.

The end of Ramadan will be marked by the sighting of the new moon which is expected either on the 29th or 30th day with a days-long festival marking Eid Al-Fitr that is expected to begin on Wednesday, July 6, or Thursday July 7.

In addition to religious observation and prayer, Muslims also are expected to increase their charitable contributions to those in need.

Because Ramadan is based on the Lunar Calendar, that means the start date begins about 11 days earlier later each year. As daylight is extended during the Summer months compared to Winter months, fasting could be as much as 15 hours per day, from dusk until dawn. The longest daylight day of the year is June 21, which will occur during this year’s Ramadan observance as it did last year.

Observant Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours, breaking the fast with an Iftar meal at dusk, each evening. Fasting is only required for individuals who are physically able to do so. The elderly, the sick and the mentally ill are exempt. Women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are also exempt from fasting. Fasting is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments.

Fasting is not unusual. Christian Catholics Fast in observance of their religious beliefs during Lent each year.

A popular first food eaten my Muslims at dusk and during the Iftar, or break in fasting after Sunset is the Medjool Date. But meals will also include many popular Middle Eastern meals. Many Muslims, especially in the West, will invite non-Muslims to join them for Iftar dinners as a sign of respect and coexistence. In turn, many Christians and Jews who live in Muslim countries will observe Ramadan by not eating in public.

A typical greeting in Arabic during Ramadan is “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” which mean a blessed or generous Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim friends.

— Ray Hanania

A great source for Medjool Dates is available from Ziyad Brothers Importing. Visit their website at www.Ziyad.com or at www. PalestineDates.com for more information.

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