Ramadan

Ramadan - Begins October 16, 2004

"Allah Hoo," a song to praise Allah, sung by Nusrat Fateh ali Khan
If you do not see a player above and would like to hear the song, click here

For Further Reading:

The Muslim Almanac: A Reference Work on the History, Faith, Culture, and People of Islam.
It covers the beginning and foundation of Islam--The Prophet--The Quran-- the history and extension of Islam throughout the world--diversity in Islam--iIntellectual traditions--ethics--law, order and society in Islam--artistic expression--folklife, and other topics. Find at EIU Booth Library Reference Room BP40.M83 1996

The Oxford History of Islam - edited by John Exposito, 1999.
Extensive overview of political, social, cultural history of Islam. Find at Booth Library Reference Room BP50.O95 1999

The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World - edited by Francis Robinson, 1996.
Rise of Islam--Islamic world in age of European expansion--Islamic world in the era of western domination--the ecnommy in Muslim societies, and other topics. Find at Booth Library Stacks DS35.63.C35 1996

A History of God: The 4000-year Quest for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - Armstrong, Karen, 1994.
It covers God--comparative studies -- history of doctrines. Find at Booth Library Stacks BT98.A65 1993

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During this month, Muslims may fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan, strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day, the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar, it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning with a light breakfast before sunrise.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2 to 3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Quran. When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal), it is celebrated during Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and to enjoy large meals. In some cities, fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

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major religious observances celebrated by large groups of Americans, and other major American cultural observances.
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We encourage you to do further reading and other research. Site developed by the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity at Eastern Illinois University. Send questions and comments to insight@eiu.edu.

text from:
http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/MSA/events/Ramadan.html
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm
http://www.beliefnet.com/features/ramadan_chart.html
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