The Month of Fasting

Through August, Muslims all over the world are observing Ramadan, a month of fasting. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time when Muslims abstain from all food, drink and sexual activity during daylight hours and avoid any form of evil behavior in order to right their souls and find favor with Allah.

“We try to get as close to Allah as we can,” said Mohammad Mehboob, president of the Muslim Association of Virginia.

At the end of each day, families gather to break their fast together, often with special dishes.  

According to tradition, it was during this month that the Quran was revealed, so every evening after the day’s fast is broken a portion of the book is read or recited at the on Hoadly Road in a taraweeh prayer service. Throughout the month, the entire Quran will be recited and its memorization encouraged.

“Millions of Muslims can recite portions of the Quran,” said Mehboob. “And during Ramadan we come back to it even more.”

Mehboob is originally from Pakistan but said that observance of this month is very similar in the United States as it was there. “There is the same zeal. Even our young ones fast,” he said.

Along with fasting and reading and memorizing the Quran, Muslims give more charity, or zakat, during this month and increase their other good deeds. Every good deed is believed to receive a greater reward if done during this month.

“Ramadan is a tidy of your soul and life,” said the Imam during Friday prayers. “Allah says, ‘Fast for me and I will shower you with more mercy and forgiveness.’”

“Increase your prayers, increase your good deeds, don’t forget those in need. Nothing will decrease Allah’s anger like zakat,” he said.  

 “Allah is clean and he will not come into my heart unless my heart is clean,” said Mehboob.