Download The Muslim Observance of Ramadan

The Muslim Observance of Ramadan
by The Rev Karrie Oertli, M.Div
Director, Department of Pastoral Care
Administrative Director, James L. Hall Center for Mind, Body, Spirit Board Certified Chaplain, The
Association of Professional Chaplains ACPE Supervisor, The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc
Our Muslim colleagues, patients, and their families are anticipating the beginning of Ramadan,
which begins in 2009 on Friday, August 21.
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from the first appearance of light to
sunset for the entire month, which is known as Ramadan. In Islam, fasting is a religious ritual that
involves abstaining from all food, drink, sexual activity, and certain other activities from dawn until
sunset for all who are able.
The observance of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It derives its importance from the
saying of the Prophet Muhammad that "Islam stands on five (pillars)": 1) To witness that there is
no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His Prophet, 2) to perform the required prayers, 3) to
pay the Zakat (that which is due to the poor), 4) to fast the month of Ramadan, and 5) to perform
the pilgrimage to Makkah. The celebration of the Eid of Fast-Breaking comes at the end of
Ramadan.
Three other important dates are associated with Ramadan as the month of observance nears its
end. The first is Laylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power," which commemorates the first revelation of
the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 A.D., at the age of forty. The festival begins in the
evening on Tuesday, September 15. The second is Jum'at al-Wada', "Farewell Friday," which is
the last Friday of the month of Ramadan and occurs this year on Friday, September 18. The final
event takes place on Sunday, September 20, when Muslims observe Eid al-Fitr, the "Breaking of
the Fast." This religious observance celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
A traditional greeting to someone who is observing Ramadan is "May you have a blessed month."
For more information about this observance or other faith traditions, please contact a chaplain.