Ramadan 2016: Muslims Begin Holy Month of Fasting

PHOTO | Islamic Society of Germantown

Millions of Muslims around the world, including those residing in Montgomery County, began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Monday.

During the entire month, Muslims fast everyday from sunrise to sunset; this includes refraining from consuming any food or drink (water too). It’s a sacred time for followers of the Islamic faith to reflect their relationship with God through prayer, charity, and studying the Quran.  The month is also considered sacred because Muslims believe that during this month the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammed.

The month of Ramadan varies from year-to-year because it’s based on the cycle of the lunar calendar. Ramadan is the first day of the ninth month of this calendar, which is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.

Montgomery County marked the start of Ramadan on its website. Muslims will celebrate the end of Ramadan, known as Eid ul-Fitr, on July 6th.

About Maureen Chowdhury

Maureen Chowdhury is a multimedia journalist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at mchowdhury@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @MediaMaureen. Maureen authors the blog Sound Check on MyMCMedia.

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