Many SHA tenants and staff are observing Ramadan. This year, Ramadan ends approximately May 23. Due to the pandemic and social distancing, congregational prayer at mosques is canceled. But, there are ways to connect virtually as mosques are livestreaming services and hosting virtual iftars. For those who might not be familiar with this month of fasting or wish to learn more, here are a few facts from The Guardian about Ramadan.
- Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month for Muslims.
- The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, in which 12 months add up to 354 days.
- This is why the first day of Ramadan moves back by 11 days each year and its conclusion, Eid, is announced on sighting of the moon, which varies from region to region.
- Mosques issue a schedule for those fasting according to local sunrise and sunset times.
- Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other four being testimony of faith, daily prayers, charity and the Hajj – making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Muslims see Ramadan as a time for recharging their faith with extra focus and discipline in prayers and the teachings of the Qur'an. Once the month of fasting is complete, there traditionally has been three days of celebration – the Eid al-Fitr
Common greetings during Ramadan:
- "Ramadan Mubarak" [rah-mah-DON moo-BAH-rak] – literally "blessed Ramadan"
- "Ramadan Kareem" [rah-mah-DON kah-REEM] – literally "generous Ramadan"
- For English speakers, people sometimes say "May your fasting be easy," or "May your prayers and fasting be accepted."