Observance of Islamic holy month prevalent in Boulder
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Sunday and continues in observance until Oct. 23. The Islamic holiday marks a time of fasting, contemplation and charity on the part of all Muslims.
“The Islamic calendar is marked by the moon,” said Tara Delancey, a Muslim sophomore linguistics major. “The ninth month, Ramadan, was the time during which the Qur’an was first revealed to the prophet.”
At the time of revelation, Mohammed was instructed to fast during Ramadan in observance of the sacred month. Muslims may eat and drink at any time during the night “until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night,” according to the Qur’an.
The fast is meant to teach Muslims restraint and sympathy for the less fortunate and encourage charity for those people, Delancey said. The fast also applies to the breaking of indulgences such as smoking and sexual intercourse.
“It (the fast) really has made me appreciate the luxuries I have and help those who don’t have have a lot,” she said.
The breaking of the daily fast, known in the Islamic faith as “iftar,” is meant to be a communal ritual, one at which Muslims can come together to dine as an act of prayer and worship.
The Muslim Students Association will be hosting a number of iftar dinners over the course of Ramadan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights every week until the holiday is over. The meals will be marked by the “Maghrib,” or after sunset, prayer. The MSA encourages both Muslim and non-Muslim students to attend and bring their favorite dishes.
