The holy month of Ramadan begins Wednesday

Dear Carthage community,

Al-Salamu’ Alaykum! Peace and blessings with you all.

On Wednesday, March 22, we enter Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is regarded as the most blessed time since the revelation of the Qur’an, and the prophetic call of Prophet Muhammad started in 610 CE in this holy month. Many mark this month with extra worship, supplication, contemplation, studying the Qur’an, and fasting from food and drink — including water — from dawn to sunset.

Fasting is one of the most observed pillars of Islam, with sick, elderly, travelers, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers being exempt. During fasting, Muslims physically feel the value of and need for basic sustenance when they experience the pains of hunger and thirst. Fasting in Islam is not merely about staying hungry or thirsty but also about struggling to contain harmful thoughts and behaviors. Therefore, this transformative spiritual experience is to exercise willpower and attain self-restraint.

You all understand the feelings of sleepiness, thirst, and energy loss that come with not eating and drinking during the day. Please be aware that our Muslim students may have lower power than usual between fasting, early pre-dawn meals, and iftars (the break-fast dinner) after sundown. We ask that you be understanding during this month if our Muslim students exhibit any unusual lack of participation in your classes.

Muslims often invite friends, family members, and neighbors to celebrate the break-fast dinners (iftar). The Muslim Society Awareness / Association will host an iftar dinner on campus in April. Please, stay tuned for this event. You are all invited to join the fast-breaking that evening and fast during the day if you are willing and able. We encourage everyone to learn about the traditions of other faiths and boldly practice the traditions of their own faith or non-faith worldview.

We, at the Center for Faith and Spirituality, want to say Ramadan Mubarak to all those participating in our Carthage community! May this blessed month bring understanding, respect, and peace to your lives.

If you have any questions about Ramadan, please feel free to contact our office.

Peace,

Pastor Kara Baylor
Professor Fatih Harpci

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Center for Faith and Spirituality

For more information, contact:

Kara Baylor: kbaylor@carthage.edu, Fatih Harpci: fharpci@carthage.edu