Ramadan Kareem

Ramzan ul MubarakRamzan ul Mubarak
Ramzan ul MubarakRamzan ul Mubarak

Muslims around the world are preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, which will begin on June 6.

Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims who observe it abstain from food, water and sexual relations from dawn until sunset for the entire month.

As the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is viewed as an opportunity for Muslims to focus on their spirituality, as well as their self-discipline, sacrifice and patience.

Sense of community is an essential aspect of Ramadan, whether it be through breaking fast with friends and family, hosting open house iftars at Islamic Centers and mosques, or giving back to the community.

Islam encourages acts of charity—the giving of Zakat—throughout the year, but especially during this holy month.  This Ramadan, many Muslim Americans are launching charitable initiatives for various causes, including a green initiative by the Islamic Society of North America, hunger relief in Buffalo, NY through Project Ramadan, and aid to the global refugee crisis organized by the non-profit organization Islamic Relief. Our longtime advertisers are appealing for Ramadan donations: United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), Kinder USA, Middle East Children’s Alliance, Palestinian Medical Relief Society, and Zakat Foundation.  Even Syrian refugees who have found refuge in Europe are also giving back this Ramadan, sending money and aid to their home country.

Another way to give back to the community is to educate and provide vital information (rarely found in corporate media) to your fellow Americans, Canadians, Europeans and others. Give a Washington Report gift subscription to your relative, doctor, teacher or neighbor. Please consider donating to support the Washington Report and Middle East Books and More Bookstore at the following link: https://www.wrmea.org/donate-to-american-educational-trust.html.

Are you having an open house or iftar celebration? Send us a photo and caption or story for our magazine or blog!

Source: wrmea.org