Religion
Related: About this forumIt's Ramadan in the Muslim communities -
Ramadan 2013 began in the evening of Monday, July 8
and ends in the evening of Wednesday, August 7
More about Ramadan in general:
Ramadan 2013: Facts, History, Dates, Greeting And Rules Of The Muslim Fast
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/07/ramadan-2013-facts_n_3529135.html
(UK) Prime Minister's video message for Ramadan 2013:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-ministers-video-message-for-ramadan-2013
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)hollysmom
(5,946 posts)jaysunb
(11,856 posts)cbayer
(146,218 posts)at least in the northern hemisphere.
They fast between the two hours before sunrise and sunset.
Where we are that would be from about 4:30 AM until after 8:00 PM. It would be even longer further north.
But it is about sacrifice and self control.
Anyway, best wishes to all who observe this season.
pinto
(106,886 posts)It's got to be a challenge. Also love the custom, come evening meal time, of visiting and eating together with family and friends. Interesting twist on "break fast".
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Have you ever been to one of the evening meals?
pinto
(106,886 posts)(aside) It would be interesting to note to those who view Muslims solely in a "post 9/11" framework that Thomas Jefferson withheld a dinner with the Ambassador from Tunis 'till sunset since it was Ramadan.
http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/tunisian-envoy
cbayer
(146,218 posts)Better half was in Morocco for Ramadan a long, long time ago and went to some of these evening feasts. I think I would really enjoy this experience.
Response to cbayer (Reply #12)
Name removed Message auto-removed
muxin
(98 posts)In Indonesia we fast from 4.30 am to 6.00 pm, it's a bit less "challenging" this year because it's raining everyday - a cold weather is always great when fasting
What I like the most is we always see the celebration of tolerance here, restaurants including those owned by non muslims usually cover their windows with curtains during the day and almost nobody eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadhan.
I noticed my non muslim friends usually "hiding" when they want to eat lunch even though they don't really have to do that just because they want to respect their friends who are fasting.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)While I have visited Muslim countries, I have never been during Ramadan.
I love your description of how people show respect for each other.
Do you get up before 4:30 in order to eat before the fast begins?
muxin
(98 posts)It's called "Sahur", usually there are a bunch of youngsters going around the neighborhood at that hour waking people up with singing and traditional percussion, but usually they keep it down when passing a non muslim home.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)pinto
(106,886 posts)As part of the focus on charity during the month? (on edit) And all the best to you and yours.
muxin
(98 posts)and we also bring food to the mosque for iftar. Not only in mosques usually there are lots of people making posts on the street side to give free food and drinks for those who are still on the road when it's time to break the fast.