Ramadan mubarak!
Fri Sep 22, 2006 at 08:56:59 PM PDT
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. During Ramadan, observent Muslims fast from dawn to sunset each day. The Islamic calendar is lunar, with each month starting at the sighting of the new crescent moon. This year, Ramadan is from September 23 to October 23, so the fasting starts tomorrow at dawn for me.
The phrase "Ramadan mubarak" means, roughly "Have a blessed Ramadan" and is a traditional greeting of Muslims to each other during the month.
I love Ramadan. The fasting seems like it might be very difficult, but once I get into the routine of it, I don't find it so (though usually I hit a little "wall" about 20 days in). I really enjoy Ramadan. The discipline needed to complete the fast is good for me, and the special month motivates me to do extra.
Besides fasting from food and drink, Muslims should also refrain from bad conduct and language. This (especially the bad language!) is sometimes more challenging than just refraining from food and drink. But it's good for me!
Last year, I did a series of posts on the Quran for Ramadan, which you can view from my user page.
Although I probably won't have time for such an ambitious undertaking this year, I hope to post several times during the month, inshallah.
