Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while building a greater spiritual connection with God. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam.
The end of Ramadan will be marked by “Eid ul-Fitr” to be celebrated by American Muslims on or about July 17*, which includes communal prayers as well as family gatherings, gift exchanges, etc.
[*NOTE: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan and the day of Eid ul-Fitr may vary by one day. Consult local Muslim communities for the beginning and end dates of Ramadan and for the day of Eid ul-Fitr. ]
Local mosques will host iftars (fast-breaking meal) on a daily basis, as well as other social activities. Many mosques will also have special prayers, called taraweeh, after the daily nighttime prayer. In the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan, Muslims mark Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny").
Contact CAIR-STL for “Ramadan story coverage ideas.” Some Ramadan story coverage ideas for media include:
- Ramadan food specialties served by local Muslim families
- Increase in charitable giving and volunteering during Ramadan
- Sharing Ramadan dinners hosted by various American Muslim groups including local groups
- Employers and religious accommodations in the workplace for prayer times and breaking fast at sunset
- How a local professional Muslim ‘optimizes’ her/his work, travel, family and sleep schedule during Ramadan
- Fasting long summer days
- A new Muslim experience with Ramadan for the first time
- A month of fasting, prayer and mid-night snacks!
- Iftar (fast breaking meal) with a Muslim family at a local family’s home
- Economic impact of Ramadan, businesses that market to Muslims during this time, experiences of local store owners during Ramadan
Sharing Ramadan Open Houses:
- On Thursday July 9, from 7pm to 10:30pm the Dar-Al-Islam Masjid in Ballwin will hold its annual “Sharing Ramadan” iftar dinner at (517 Wiedman Rd, Ballwin MO 63011). An open house where the greater Saint Louis community of all faiths or no faiths are invited to the Islamic Center to share in the breaking of the fast meal, dinner, are given tours of the Islamic Center, and listen to presentations about Islam and the month of Ramadan.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-STL Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.