Currently, Muslims in Northern Virginia and around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan which started on May 27 (10 days earlier than last year) in correlation with the Lunar Calendar. It was in this month that the holy scripture of Islam, the Quran, began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and abstain from food and water for this time. This fast is not just physical in nature but also requires them to shun any wrongdoing or bad habits.
The Holy Quran states: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous" (2:184). Therefore, the purpose of Ramadan is not only to abstain from food and drink, but to also practice self-restraint, focus on good deeds that help others and improve one's spirituality, and understand the struggles of those less fortunate who do not have ample food and water available for them. This month will conclude with the Eid-ul-Fitr festival on June 26.
Shumaila Ahmad
Chantilly