Muslim community set to observe Ramadan
Muslims in the Memphis area will join others around the world in prayer and fasting during the monthlong Ramadan observance beginning last week in the U.S.
The start of Ramadan, which falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days, varies based on the lunar cycle. It concludes this year sometime between June 14-16.
Dr. Alim Khandekar, a Memphis surgeon and founder of Memphis Interfaith, describes Ramadan as a time of worship and devotion. He said it disrupts normal schedules, but for a positive purpose.
"We break fast around 8 p.m. (after sunset) and have dinner," he said. "We're encouraged to do extra worship at nighttime, so services can begin around 10 and last until midnight. Things get more difficult. People get their work done quickly, then catch up on sleep during the daytime."
The fasting during Ramadan, Khandekar said, helps Muslims better understand the difficulties of others, such as the poor who are hungry because they don't have enough to eat.
At the end of Ramadan, or Eid al-Fitr, the local Islamic community marks the close with a large community gathering, planned once again this year at Agricenter International. Participants will gather in the morning for prayer, followed by celebrations.
Among the activities of Memphis Interfaith is the annual Ramadan Interfaith Dinner, set this year for June 3. With a theme of "enrichment through selflessness," the 12th annual dinner will be 6-9 p.m. at 901 Cordova Station Ave. in Cordova. More information is available on the event's Facebook page.
Other information about local Ramadan activities is on the Memphis Islamic Center Facebook page.
The number of Memphis-area Muslims is estimated at anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000.
"That's based on the numbers that turn out for large events, and not everyone comes to those," Khandekar said.
Some basic facts about Ramadan:
Fasting
The fasting is strict, with nothing (including water) from dawn until dusk. Meals before sunrise help Muslims load up to make it through the day until a big meal after sunset. Also, fasting isn't just about food. Muslims also abstain from sex, smoking, swearing and arguing.
Who is exempt?
There are some exemptions from the fasting requirements: Women are not expected to fast if they pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating. Also, children, the elderly and the ill are exempt.
How important is it?
All Muslims, except those exempt for the reasons mentioned, are expected to observe Ramadan. In some countries, there are legal implications for breaking the rules of Ramadan. From a religious standpoint, observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars, or major tenents, of the faith.
The end of Ramadan
As mentioned, the local Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan with a large community event, held this year and in the past at Agricenter International. That is only part of Eid al-Fitr, however; it's actually a three-day holiday and typically includes gifts and time together with family.