Ramadan started on March 10 with a month of elevated prayers as Muslims honor the month wherein the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
KENTWOOD, MI — March 10 marks the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month wherein Muslims consider Islam’s holy ebook, the Koran, was given to the Prophet Muhammad.
Imam Kip Qanat of the At Tawheed Islamic Center in Kentwood stated the approaching month is a time of elevated acts of worship, together with fasting.
“We quick each day,” Imam Kip stated. “This time of 12 months is simply over 12 hours lengthy, from the primary rays of the solar on the horizon till sundown.”
He says to abstain from all foods and drinks, together with water, throughout that interval. There are exceptions for individuals who must eat or drink for medical causes, people who find themselves pregnant or breastfeeding, and people who find themselves touring.
After sundown, household and mates collect for iftar, or breaking the quick, and particular prayers are additionally stated.
“The rules concerning fasting in the course of the month of Ramadan are discovered within the Quran itself, which says, “This fasting has been prescribed for you,”” Imam Kip stated, including that the custom of fasting is a method for individuals to extend their religion in God. He added that it helps to bear in mind. their life. “If you practice your self to steer clear of such issues, will probably be simpler to steer clear of issues it’s best to by no means do outdoors of Ramadan, akin to harboring jealousy in your coronary heart or talking in poor health of others. .”
In West Michigan, many individuals stands out as the solely ones fasting of their class, work, or group of mates, however individuals look ahead to coming collectively on the finish of the day and breaking their quick as a group. Imam Kip additionally stated:
“You will see lots of people coming collectively. We are ready for the time to interrupt the quick, after which everybody will eat and rejoice,” Imam Kip stated.
At Kentwood’s Super Green Market, clients are pouring in to arrange meals for his or her households. Shoppers say the season brings generosity and prayers for peace.
“We all break our quick on the identical time. Before we break our quick, we pray to God. This is a superb prayer, not just for ourselves, however for these round us and the world at massive,” board member stated Mohammad Shamali. Member of the West Michigan Palestinian Cultural Group.
Especially this 12 months, prayers are being provided for individuals who are observing Ramadan regardless of wars and hardships.
“People’s hearts are very heavy due to the scenario in Gaza. We have many brothers and sisters in Islam who’re fasting, however on the identical time they’re being pushed out of their houses in concern.” he stated. Imam Kip.
“It breaks our hearts once we see youngsters and ladies and harmless individuals being killed for no motive, regardless that they haven’t dedicated something. That is why we all the time pray for them and maintain them secure. I maintain it in my ideas and prayers,” Shamali stated. . “Good Lord Allah, could God deliver ease to all and convey peace to the world.”
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr on April tenth.