2008 Woodie Awards
History of Ramadan celebrated
Shyan Hussain
Allah Humma Inni Lakasumtu Wabaika Amantu Wa-ilaika tawakaltu wa ala' rizqika aftar tu. With this prayer, or dua, the fast is broken.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. It was in this month when the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a mean of Salvation."
The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate solely on their faith, disregarding the other activities of their everyday lives. The month is a time of worship and reflection. For centuries, the month of Ramadan has retained its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah.
Fasting is one of the most important five pillars of Islam. It shows how faithful one truly is and whether or not one can make a sacrifice. It also tests one�s ability to put God in front of their life.
During the fasting period, which takes place from sunrise until sunset, all Muslims are forbidden from the following activities: eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in any type of sexual activity.
Muslims who fast earn sawaab, or appreciation from God. However, there are five activities that can destroy the fast: lying, slander, denouncing someone without their knowledge, telling a false oath and greed. Although all of these activities are invariably considered sins, during this month they are considered to be even more offensive.
For every day that the fast is broken without knowledge, another day after the end of Ramadan must be spent fasting. Also, if the fast on sexual activities is broken for one day during Ramadan, then that person must fast for another 60 consecutive days after the month.
Families awaken and gather before the sun rises for suhoor, their first meal of the day. The day is spent praying and reading the Quran. At sunset, a prayer is said and the fast is broken. The evening meal is known as iftar. The fast is usually broken with a date and a very sweet drink, so the body is able to regain energy after a long day of fasting.
Iftar, usually an impressive meal, is also generally shared by a large group of friends or family. Ironically, many people end up gaining weight after the holy month. According to the Holy Quran, "Observers may eat and drink at any time during the night until they can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight, then keep the fast until night."
During Ramadan it is common for Muslims to go to the masjid, or mosque, and devote hours to praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers during Ramadan, Muslims recite a special prayer called the taraweeh, or night prayer. This particular prayer usually lasts two to three times longer than the daily prayers.
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr, also know as the Night of Power. Muslims believe that it was on this night that the Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And, according to the Holy Quran, this is also the time when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
As the month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
When the month of fasting is over, it is celebrated over a course of three days in a holiday known as Eid-ul-Fitr, the Feast of the Fast Breaking. During these three days, a lot of food is eaten, gifts are exchanged, and family bonds become stronger. On this holiday, children look forward to receiving large amounts of money from their elders. Friends and family gather to pray and, after, partake of the large meal.
A good portion of the Muslim community at De Anza has been fasting consistently since the beginning of the celebration, according to Aman Mehrzai, student and one of the khatheeds, or prayer leaders, of the Muslim Student Association.
The daily iftars on campus are potluck meals offering a variety of food for students. They are held from Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and B of the Campus Center. There will be a special iftar on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the California History Center.
The MSA is also planning a "Fast-a-Thon" for Thursday. Non-Muslim participants will get a chance to make a pledge to fast and will break their fast with the Muslim community on campus. Those who pledge will be asked to donate a dollar to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
After Ramadan, the MSA will attempt to hold a festival for Eid-ul-Fitr, said Hala Hyatt, The MSA head of the Ramadan Committee.