Muslims Begin Ramadan Fast in and Around Birmingham

Fasting

Ramadan is best known for is its daily fasting. Muslims who are in good health refrain from food and drink from before the sun rises to just as the sun sets. 

Muslims all around woke up in the earliest hours of the morning Tuesday when the sky was still dark to eat a pre-fast breakfast, called suhoor. At dawn, all eating and drinking stops until dusk, when Muslims get together for iftar, a meal to break the fast. Many Muslims host iftar parties or send over meals to their Muslims neighbors throughout Ramadan.

Prayer

On the first night of Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world visited their places of worship called masjids, or mosques, for special prayers where lengthy amounts of the Qur’an, or the Muslim holy book, are recited. It is common to recite at least one chapter each night so that, by the end of the month, all 30 chapters of the book are recited.

Self Control

Self-restraint and patience are underlying lessons taught during Ramadan. It shows a person that if they can stop eating and drinking during daylight hours, then there is no reason why they can't stop doing things they shouldn't be doing.

Charity

Charity and other good acts are also emphasized during the month of Ramadan. Good deeds are believed to be rewarded multiple times more than in other months in the year, so Muslims scramble to do their best whether it’s feeding the poor, donating their money or taking part in random acts of kindness.

Muslims see Ramadan as a re-charger for the rest of the year to acquire God consciousness and self-restraint. Feeling the hunger pangs of fasting during the day reminds Muslims to be patient.