RAMADAN TO BE OBSERVED LOCALLY

Islamics begin a month of fasting in observance of Ramadan this weekend, but the exact date the holiday begins locally depends upon the sighting of the moon.

There are approximately 120 Muslims in Southeast Missouri who will come together each week to recognize the holiday.

"The holiday's date depends on the lunar calendar," said Dr. Raushanah Khaaliq, director of student support services at Southeast Missouri State University. "We are currently ending the month of Raboon. If the moon is sighted tonight, Ramadan will begin tomorrow. It should begin either Friday or Saturday."

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Korah to Muhammad and is the ninth month of the Muslim year. Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset in observance each day during the month.

Khaaliq said that during Ramadan Muslims get up before sunrise each day to pray. They then have sahoor, the meal before sunrise, she said. Throughout the day specific times for prayer must be observed, and no food is eaten, she said. The daily fast ends at sunset, traditionally by eating a date and drinking water before the evening meal, she said.

Muslims are required to start fasting at the age of 12, but Khaaliq said there are a number of provisions and exemptions to the fasting rules.

"Everybody cannot fast," Khaaliq said. "Pregnant women and younger children, of course, don't have to fast, and if we are travelling, we aren't supposed to fast. But we have to make up those days; there are provisions for these people. For example, you may give food to a less fortunate family or donate money to a charity."

Khaaliq said Ramadan teaches Muslims humility and discipline. "By fasting you're more humble," she said. "You're not supposed to eat a lot even when you break your fast, because you're supposed to remember there are other people in the world who are less fortunate than you."

Several observances of Ramadan will be held locally. Friday is the Muslim holy day, and each Friday the Islamic community, which extends below Sikeston, will gather for an iftar, a gathering of family after sunset to break the fast. Students at the university will have an iftar every day.

Feb. 7 marks the eid, or last day of Ramadan. Muslims will gather in the University Center then to pray and break fasts, Khaaliq said. They will also share a feast, and children will be given gifts, she said.