MUSLIMS BEGIN MONTH OF RAMADAN

Observing Ramadan in the United States is very different for Muslim students Annas Maklai and Anis Somji. Both men, who now attend college in Cape Girardeau, are from the United Arab Emirates, a country about the size of Maine that borders Saudi Arabia.

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting in the Muslim religion. It begins today but started Sunday in some countries depending on when religious leaders see the crescent moon and confirm its sighting with other Muslim communities.

Islamic followers of the sixth-century prophet Muhammad are called Muslims. Islam is one of the world's largest religions. There are more than 3 million Muslims in the United States.

Maklai and Somji, both seniors at Southeast Missouri State University, now spend the month praying and "breaking the fast" with other members of the Muslim Student Association at the university.

A fast is broken by eating a date or drinking water. The meal is called Iftar. During Ramadan, the student group meets with Muslim families every Friday.

"Before Ramadan, we had to clean all the rugs and the house," Maklai said of his holidays at home, adding that many Muslim families finish extra household chores before Ramadan so they are not busy with daily tasks during the month.

"At home it's a happy feeling," Somji said. "Here it's just like any other day except that you are not eating. If you compare today and a day during Ramadan, it would be better in Ramadan. Your blessings are doubled; it's a good feeling."

Muslim custom requires that believers spend the month of Ramadan fasting. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year and typically begins in late to mid-January, according to a solar calendar. The Muslim year is based on lunar cycles, not solar ones.

During the 30-day period of Ramadan, no food or drink should be consumed from sunrise to sunset and sexual intercourse is forbidden so that believers focus more on their relationship to God. At sunset each day, the student group gathers to pray and break the fast by eating a date or drinking water.

"You can still have all the foods at evening," said Dr. Raushanah Khaaliq, adviser of the Muslim Student Association. "But your meals should be like a person less fortunate."

Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan will bring them closer to God and gives them more blessings. The month commemorates the time that angels revealed the Koran to Mohammad, a prophet.

It (Ramadan) strengthens you both spiritually and physically, Khaaliq said. "You know that people all over the world are doing the same things as you, at the same times. And you know why they are doing it."

Only certain people, like nursing mothers, the sick or mentally ill, and travelers are exempt from fasting. But each day that is missed during the month should be made up later.

"If you are not able to fast, then you can make up the days by feeding the less fortunate," Khaaliq said. "You get the same blessings."

Fasting is an act of obedience in the Muslim religion. It is one of the five duties of the religion. Other duties of a Muslim believer include professing the unity of God and the existence of the prophet Muhammad, prayer five times daily, giving to charity, and at least one pilgrimage to Mecca, which is required by the Koran.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr. It is typically celebrated with family and friends who gather for a meal. Children are often given gifts on this day as well.

Muslim prayers

Muslim believers pray five times daily, according to religious instruction.

The daily prayers are:

Fajr -- This is the first prayer of the day and begins at dawn. During Ramadan, a meal is usually eaten before this prayer.

Zuhr -- This prayer begins about 10 minutes after you can see the shadow of the sun overhead, which is close to noon.

Asr -- This prayer begins when you see a double-size shadow of the sun, usually in early afternoon.

Maghrib -- This is the prayer after sunset.

Isha -- This is the last prayer of the day and begins after dark.

Iftar -- This is celebrated whenever a Muslim breaks a fast. The fast is commonly broken with dates but water can also be used. The Muslim Student Association usually breaks the fast together during Ramadan.