So, what exactly is Ramadan? And what is an
Iftar dinner?
(The Weekly Spirituality U. Insight from Interfaith Paths to Peace)
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday, July 9
this year, is a month-long period of fasting undertaken by observant Muslims
throughout the world as one of their five key spiritual practices*. Ramadan is a
“lunar” month, a 28-day period on the calendar that moves around
during the regular calendar year. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating
and drinking from daybreak until sunset. They do this as a way of purifying
their souls and refocusing their attention on God. It is a time to make peace
with those with whom we have disagreements, strengthen ties with family and
friends, and give up bad habits.
One of the special things about the Ramadan fast is
that if practiced fully, it involves every aspect of our body and soul.
According to a Muslim named Huda, during Ramadan, “every part of the body must
be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The
eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must
not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain
from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going
to sinful places.”
What is an Iftar dinner
Iftar is a dinner at which Muslims break that
day’s fast on any one of the 28 days of self-sacrifice. Iftars sometimes are held in a
family’s home or at a mosque or other public space and can bring together a
number of families. These dinners often include non-Muslims who are invited to
share in the food and socializing.
Here’s a link to more information about
Ramadan and Iftar.
*the other four of the "Five Pillars of Islam" are 1) profession that there is no god but God (Allah) and that Muhammad is his Prophet; 2) making a pilgrimage to Mecca, 3) praying five times a day at set intervals; and, 4) required charitable giving.
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