Ramadan Begins Today

Billions of Muslims around the world mark today (Aug. 1) as the first day of Ramadan.

The day marks the beginning of fasting, or Sawm, and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It begins after Suhur (pre-dawn meal) and ends with Iftar (post-dusk meal). With sunrise roughly around 4:30 a.m. and sunset at approximately 8:15 p.m., fasts this year will last for nearly 16 hours.

During the holy month, Muslims must abstain from food, drink and sexual activity during daylight hours. Instead, their efforts will focus on spiritual refinement and enlightenment.

The month of Ramadan is when the holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. In this light, each evening after fasts break, Muslims will engage in additional prayers and recitation of the Qur’an.

The ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan consists of 29 or 30 days culminating with Eid-ul-Fitr — one of two celebratory holidays in Islam.

This year, Ramadan officially began the evening of Sunday, July 31 with the sighting of the new crescent moon and will end on or around August 30.

For more information about Ramadan including local events visit Islamicfinder.org. According to that website, below is a list of local Islamic Centers in the area. While there are no Islamic Centers in Glendora, there are a few in neighboring cities. Give the centers a call for specific service information.

Masjid Al Fatiha
210 Citrus Ave., Azusa (626)359-9292

Masjid Qurtuba
1121 E Huntington Dr Box 872. Duarte (818)305-0077

Islamic Center of Inland
1555 East 3rd Street, Pomona (909) 868-8811