During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month of the year, Muslims from all over the world unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. For those who are physically able, the fasting lasts during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset and is considered one of the five “pillars” of Islam. It will be starting on August 11th, 2010 but begins with the rise of the new moon tonight.
Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning and is the one holiday where self-restraint is celebrated, rather than the act of indulging (you don’t see any JCPenney sale events going on in celebration of Ramadan…and if that were to be happen, that would be so wrong.)
But you do not have to be of Muslim faith in order to participate in Ramadan! If you choose to fast, you commit by abstaining from eating and drinking of any fluids from sun up until sun down during the holy month, starting on August 11, 2010. That basically means that if you decide to participate, enjoy your last lunch of the month and participate fully with your body and soul until September 10th. If you want to know the exact fasting schedule when it comes to sunrise and sunset, check out this very useful time table (this one is for folks in LA but you can change it according to your city and country). Considering that this will be the longest Ramadan (in terms of daylight hours) in about 30 years, for the non-Muslims who are interested in participating the full Ramadan experience, please keep in mind you cannot drink any fluids so participate only if you are physically able!
Many Asians and Asian Pacific Americans are celebrating Ramadan and thus I want to bring into attention this beautiful holiday. As a non-Muslim person of faith, I stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and as such, I am participating in Ramadan. This is how I choose to show my love and support for the Muslim community not only for them but for myself as I spend this time focusing on what truly matters in my life.
