Ramadan

Muslims across the world celebrate Ramadan, which takes place during the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Muslims believe that it was during the month of Ramadan when the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation.”

The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith. It is a time of spiritual reflection, worship, and contemplation. In an effort to focus on their faith, Muslims fast (siyam) during the entire month of Ramadan.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends.

In addition to fasting, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

The end of the month of Ramadan is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid al- Fitr (The Feast of Fast Breaking). On Eid morning, which is the first day of Shawwal - the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar - families offer a special prayer of thanks, called an Eid prayer, for the help and strength received to practice self discipline during Ramadan. Before the Eid prayer, every Muslim man, woman and child must pay Zakat al Fitr (a charity) for the month of Ramadan. The Zakat al Fitr is a special offering given in thanks for one's own prosperity and for having faithfully observed their fast throughout Ramadan. This charity is typically collected at the mosque to be distributed to those who are less fortunate in the Islamic community. Following prayers, gifts are exchanged and friends and family gather to share large meals.

On Emory’s campus, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) invites you to the remaining MSA Iftaar (Break-Fast) dinners during the month of Ramadan:

9/18: Catered Iftaar, Church School Building Commons
9/23: Catered Iftaar, Cannon Chapel 106
9/24: ECF-MSA Iftaar, Tull Auditorium Lobby, Emory Law School
9/25: Catered Iftaar, Church School Building Commons
9/29: MSA Fast-a-Thon, Cox Hall Ballroom
9/30: Catered Iftaar, Cannon Chapel 106

If you have further questions or need more information, please contact Isam Vaid, Ph.D., Muslim Religious Advisor, Office of the Dean of the Chapel and Religious Life, Emory University at ivaid@LearnLink.Emory.Edu.