Countywide : Muslims Fast, Mark Start of Ramadan

Two dozen men and boys sat or knelt on a living room floor as Muzzamil Siddiqi chanted Arabic prayers and discussed the virtues of fasting.

The gathered Muslims had fasted since before sunrise Friday, in commemoration of the first day of the Islamic holiday Ramadan.

Ramadan is a monthlong celebration of the Muslim tenet of the revelation of spiritual doctrine from God to the prophet Mohammed in AD 611. That revelation began the message that Mohammed would compile into the Koran, the holy book of Islam.

Siddiqi’s brief prayer ceremony concluded at 5:59 p.m., just after sundown. It was timed for iftar, the collective breaking of the daylong fast. The men and boys, some in traditional attire, ate small plates of fruit and meat-filled pastries. After another prayer ritual, a full multi-course dinner was served.

The women and girls, their heads covered by hoods or veils, helped to prepare the food and held a separate prayer ceremony.

The group, which gathered at the Westminster home of congregation member Saghir Aslam, talked and ate for about an hour. They then moved on to the Islamic Center of Orange County in Garden Grove, where Siddiqi is the director and spiritual leader. A larger celebration was scheduled there.

For 29 days, Muslims will fast daily from two hours before sunrise until just after sundown. Each night, immediately after the sun has set, families or larger groups celebrate the end of the day’s fast with food and prayers.

Fasting, Siddiqi explained, teaches self-discipline, independence from desires and material things, and promotes a closeness to God.

The month of Ramadan, which continues through April 4, also commemorates love and charity. Those unable to fast for any reason may instead perform a charitable act for the poor or needy, Siddiqi said.