Ramadan
Begins Worldwide
picture
courtesy http://static.howstuffworks.com/
October
4, 2005
By
Michael Lundell
Ramadan, the Muslim
month of fasting, has begun today in most countries throughout the world.
The start and the finish of the month long period of fasting is signaled
in most countries by an appointed member of the faith who watches the
sky for signs of a crescent moon. The person must see the moon with
his or her own eyes, rather than some electronic device or news from
someone else. This requirement has caused Oman
and other countries to delay Ramadan until Wednesday, because they could
not spot the crescent moon.
Ramadan is a time
period of reflection for the world's Muslims. It is a time set aside
to reflect on Islam and also a time for people to feel more compassion
toward the poor. During Ramadan, Muslims are not allowed to drink, eat,
smoke, curse, or have sexual relations from sunrise until sunset.
The breaking of
the fast in the evening is cause for great joy and Muslims tend to have
large parties where people gather to eat extravagantly prepared meals
and socialize. These parties tend to last until late in the night. Most
Muslims sleep for a time but wake before dawn to have another meal,
their last until the sun sets again.
Work hours are usually
affected in Muslim countries. Hours are typically shorter, lasting until
about mid-day when many people return home to rest or sleep, or prepare
for the evening's party. Shops, restaurants, and other public areas
tend to stay open later during Ramadan and people stay out until late
in the night.
Many Muslim countries
have laws that prohibit anyone from breaking the fast in public. If
you are planning on visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan you should
be aware of this and plan accordingly. Some countries have stiff penalties
for foreigners who openly break the fast. Most countries will just let
you off with a reminder warning, however.
Many stores, places
of tourist interest, and restaurants have varying hours during Ramadan.
Mosques also broadcast prayers throughout the day and night.
During the day,
Ramadan is subdued, set aside for reflection. At night, when the fast
is broken, usually signaled by a cannon shot and then a call to prayer,
the people enjoy themselves once again.
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