If one looks into the dark sky around the evening February 28th one can see the delicate light of the crescent moon which marks the beginning of the Muslim observation of Ramadan. This observation will culminate in Eid al- Fitr, the breaking of the fast on March 29th this year.
The dates of Ramadan are determined by the Islamic calendar. Ramandan falls in the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ar-rama” which means scorching heat. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast during the day and then break fast in the evening and eat a meal together. The month of Ramadan is a time to pray, remember those less fortunate, and perform acts of charity. At the end of the month the fast is broken in a three day celebration called Eid al-Fitr. There are an estimated 1.9 billion people of the Muslim faith and the diaspora is spread throughout the world. Muslims speak many different languages and within the Muslim religion there are several ethnic groups.
The Islamic faith, founded by the Prophet Muhammad, encompasses a diverse array of cultures and languages. The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, much like those of other world religions, emphasize compassion, charity, forgiveness, and kindness towards all. It is believed that during Ramadan, in the cave of Hira near Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia), the Angel Gabriel revealed verses of the Qur’an to Muhammad. This event, known as Laylat Al Qadar, or “The Night of Power,” is a central part of Ramadan’s observance.
To Observe Ramadan:
- Visit the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland located at https://icbwayland.org/
Learn More About Muslim Cultures:
- Vist the Arts of the Islamic Cultures at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
https://www.mfa.org/collections/featured-galleries/arts-of-islamic-cultures
- Read about Islam through the Pluralism Project at Harvard University
https://pluralism.org/islam-in-boston
Resources For Families:
- This year the Holliston Public Schools will be closed on March 31st in recognition of Eid al-Fitr
- Celebrate Ed-al Fitr by reading a children’s book with your family
- Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi
- Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Kahn Kazi
- A Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khall
- Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story by Shirin Shamsi
- Make a Ramadan Moon Chart here
https://www.redtedart.com/ramadan-moon-chart-activity-for-kids/
- Read a poem with your children about Ramandan by the 13th century Persian poet and scholar Rumi
O moon-faced Beloved,
the month of Ramadan has arrived
Cover the table
and open the path of praise.
O fickle busybody,
it’s time to change your ways.
Can you see the one who’s selling the halvah
how long will it be the halvah you desire?
Just a glimpse of the halvah-maker
has made you so sweet even honey says,
“I’ll put myself beneath your feet, like soil;
I’ll worship at your shrine.”
Your chick frets within the egg
with all your eating and choking.
Break out of your shell that your wings may grow.
Let yourself fly.
The lips of the Master are parched
from calling the Beloved.
The sound of your call resounds
through the horn of your empty belly.
Let nothing be inside of you.
Be empty: give your lips to the lips of the reed.
When like a reed you fill with His breath,
then you’ll taste sweetness.
Sweetness is hidden in the Breath
that fills the reed.
Be like Mary – by that sweet breath
a child grew within her.
– Rumi