When does Ramadan begin and end?
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, which differs from the solar. Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the year, when the prophet Muhammad is said to have seen the Holy Quran. The holiday therefore usually begins in July or August, and varies around 11 days each year. In 2011, Ramadan started on August 1. Last year, it began on July 20. This year, Ramadan was expected to start on the night of July 8, but because Muslim clerics could not find the crescent moon on Monday night, the first day of Ramadan will officially start Wednesday. Ramadan ends with the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which lands on either the 29 or 30 day after the beginning of the month.
What are the fasting rules of Ramadan?
Observers of Ramadan fast from sunup to sunset, usually with no food or water. Often, Muslims have a 'Suhur' or early-morning meal before the sun rises. When night falls, families and friends get together for Iftar, a large meal that breaks the fast. Most start off the meal the way Mohammed did-by eating dates.
This fasting, called Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam-it calls for abstention of eating, drinking, smoking and sex, according to the New York Daily News.
How do people pray during Ramadan?
The mandatory five-times-a-day prayer still stands for Muslims observing Ramadan, but folks are encouraged to read the entire Quran during this time. Some say that extra prayer reaps more rewards as well, for Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and betterment. A special, longer portion of the Quran called taraweeh is recited in the evening.
Can non-Muslims join in?
Non-Muslims are allowed to join in Ramadan. In fact, the Egypt Independent reported that many non-Muslims fast and pray with friends and family members who observe the holiday each year. Often, non-Muslims join Iftar dinners, which are usually large, family-filled celebrations.
Is it dangerous to fast for so long?
It depends. For some people, the dietary changes can be dire. For others, it isn't so bad. The American Cancer Society reported that short-term side effects of fasting include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue and low blood pressure. Some experience an inability to focus, and abnormal heart palpitations. In the long-term, fasting can damage the immune system, and negatively hit the body's organs, including the kidneys and liver. But most Muslims say that praying helps take their minds off food, and the payoff-religious improvement and a closer move to Mohammed-is rewarding enough.
