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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.