Catching Up With Ramadan Days 2-4

Catching Up With Ramadan Days 2-4
You want to know what is interesting abou THIS Ramadan? It is the first time in I don't know how many years we started to fast in the summer time. Every year, Ramadan comes about 10 days earlier from the year before because the Islamic calendar runs on a lunar cycle and not a solar one.

It is not that bad so far. Sure we get hungry or thirsty, but that is part of the fasting, to feel empathy with our fellow humans who aren't as lucky as you and I. That is why many Muslims will offer to cook in Ramadan for families, friends, and even at mosques. When families cook at mosques, the entire community, even travelers, are invited to attend to have their "Iftar". Due to our work schedules, DH, DS, and myself haven't been to the mosque yet. We are planning to go this Sunday. The generosity is not expected to stop after Ramadan is over. It is expected to continue year round. The way I see it is that the generosity in Ramadan is "practice" for us.

Today, I want to share with you one of my most favorite Surahs in the Quran. It is called Surah ar Rahman (The Most Gracious). This is not meant to be preaching to you. It is just to show you a typical Muslim's life during the month of Ramadan, although I do listen to Quranic recitation throughout the year, but during Ramadan, the Quran is more special because we believe the Quran was completed in the month of Ramadan. A great translation of Surah ar Rahman can be found at http://www.dar-us-salam.com/TheNobleQuran/surah55.html.

Above is Surah ar Rahman recited by an Imam Mohammad al Barrak, a relious leader for Muslim, like priests and rabbis.