Islamic holy days begin with first daily fast

Deepa Bharath

The month of Ramadan is a special time for the 150 Muslim students at

UC Irvine.

It’s time they take to reconnect with God, but they also

strengthen the bond among themselves, said Osman Umarji, president of

the UCI Muslim Student Union.

Today is the first day of Ramadan, when Muslims all over the world

don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. So the students wake up at

5 a.m. and have breakfast together on campus, said Umarji, a

fifth-year electrical engineering major.

“And in the evening, we break our fast together at the food court

or something at the university,” he said. “Then we go to the mosque

to pray.”

That’s something most Muslims do during this month, which

officially begins Saturday although Muslims start their fast from the

day before, said Imam Mostafa Al-Qazwini of the Islamic Educational

Center of Orange County.

“We encourage that people don’t eat alone when they break their

fast, that they share their meal with someone,” he said.

Ramadan was introduced by Prophet Muhammad, who is believed to be

God’s messenger, Al-Qazwini said. The month of fasting was introduced

by the prophet in year 2 of the Islamic calendar, which was the

second year after Muhammad moved from his birthplace of Mecca to

Medina. It was in Medina that the prophet established Islam as a

religion, Al-Qazwini said.

“He commanded Muslims to observe the fast so they may achieve

piety, righteousness and self-discipline,” he said. “It’s a month of

intense devotion to God, when we purify our brain, soul and body from

all toxins.”

The month of Ramadan ends with a celebration -- the feast of Eid

Al-Fitr.

“For Muslims, it’s a time to celebrate with family and friends,”

he said. “To us, it’s what Christmas is to Christians.”

On that day, they have a special breakfast. Orange County Muslims

also offer $10 a person as charity -- money considered the equivalent

of one meal in this area, Al-Qazwini said.

Over the 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan, which is defined

by the Imams or the Muslim religious leaders, students finish reading

the entire Koran, the holy book of Islam, which followers believe is

the word of God.

Umarji looks at Ramadan as an opportunity to restructure his life,

he said.

“We also read the Koran during this time,” Umarji said. “It

reminds us of all the principles that will make us better individuals

and take us closer to God.”

Muslims are even forbidden from fighting or waging battles during

this holy month, he said.

“When you don’t eat or drink, you are more patient and focused,”

Umarji said. “You won’t lie or cheat or commit a crime. It basically

reinforces concepts that already exist as part of the faith.”

Sabiha Khan, a spokeswoman for Council on American-Islamic

Relations, said Ramadan increases her empathy toward the less

fortunate.

“It’s a time to share experiences with family, friends and

neighbors,” she said. “When we don’t eat or drink, we have more time

to connect with God at a deeper level.”

* DEEPA BHARATH is the enterprise and general assignment reporter.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at

[email protected].