Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

For more than a billion Muslims around the world—including some 8
million in North America—Ramadan is a "month ofblessing" marked by
prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan focuses on self-sacrifice and
devotion to Allah (God).
Why this Month?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the
first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a
caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert nearMecca
(in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a
voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who
told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the
days that followed, Muhammadfound himself speaking the verses that
would be transcribed as the Qur'an .
At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is
recited each night in prayers known as tarawih . In this way, by the
end ofthe month the complete scripture will have been recited.
Fasting
Muslims practice sawm , orfasting, for the entire month of Ramadan.
This means that they may eat or drink nothing, includingwater, while
the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam.
As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawmfrom
about age twelve.
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during
the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor , a meal eaten
before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a
meal known as iftar . Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks
that provide a quick energy boost.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty,
Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an
opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind.
And inthis most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace
that comes fromspiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow
believers.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, whichin 2012 occurs on
Aug. 19. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is
one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs
after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress
in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and
decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends
and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although
charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have
special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a
close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the
poor and making contributions to mosques.