Ramadan;+Reed+Logan

Ramadan toc Reed Logan

History
[] Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calender. During a religious journey through what is now Saudi Arabia, Muhammad was visited by the Ark Angel Gabriel, who spoke to Muhammad the will of Allah. Gabriel said that all Muslims should honor the month with fasting and sacrifice. In Arabic, the word Ramadan means “scorching” and it was one of the summer months, but since the Islamic calender has only 355 days, the beginning of Ramadan is moved back 11 days each year.

[[image:https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.1&disp=emb&view=att&th=12dd9352b431c044 align="right" caption="A chart showing methods for fasting."]]
Fasting is an important part of Ramadan because it shows a Muslim's devotion to Allah. It is required that all Muslims fast, but children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick are excluded. If you have to miss a fast for illness, pregnancy, or any other reason, you must make up the days lost after Ramadan is finished, but before next year's Ramadan. Once you have reached puberty, fasting for Ramadan is required, but children are encouraged to fast as well. The fasting starts at sun up, and a large meal is eaten before sunrise, with lots of fluids.

[[image:https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.3&disp=emb&view=att&th=12dd9352b431c044 align="right" caption="A traditional Iftar feast."]]
Iftar is the breaking of the fast at sundown. The fast is traditionally broken with dates, and then a huge feast to celebrate. These meals vary from country to country, but usually include lots of protein rich foods, and lots of fluids to make up for the fluids lost during the day. During Ramadan, many people prepare Iftar for poor and homeless Muslims because it is said that Muhammad did this in his life. After Iftar, Muslims say special prayers to thank Allah for what they have. The reason that the fast is broken with dates is that it is said that Muhammad broke his fast with dates.

[[image:https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.4&disp=emb&view=att&th=12dd9352b431c044 align="right" caption="A Muslim uses a computer program to lead him through prayers."]]
In modern society, many Muslims don't have the luxury of being able to take a month off work to celebrate Ramadan, so they have to find a way to incorporate it into their daily lives. New technologies allow Muslims to find Mosques, point them towards Mecca for prayer, track how many pages of the Qur'an they have read, and lead them through prayers. Also, a Mosque in Paterson New Jersey has started a revolutionary program that streams prayers and services live through the internet so that the sick and the elderly can participate in Ramadan services without having to leave their homes. All these new ideas help the modern Muslim who doesn't have the time to attend Ramadan services all day, but still wants to stay a devout Muslim.

Bibliography: Works Cited History Channel. //History of Ramadan//. //History.com//. History Channel, 2011. Web. 30 Jan. 2011. . Muslim Students Association. “Islamic Holidays and Observances.” //Muslim Students Association//. Colorado State University, 20 Aug. 2007. Web. 30 Jan. 2011. . Schultz, Rich. “Ancient Ramadan Traditions go High-Tech.” //New Jersey Local News//. N.p., 11 Aug. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2011. .