The meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims began this year on June 6th and lasts for 30 days.   In yesterday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution something of the meaning of Ramadan was explained by Soumaya Khalifa, executive director of Atlanta's Islamic Speakers Bureau.

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"As Ramadan approaches, many childhood memories come back to me.   They remind me of what a special time Ramadan is.   How the whole family prepares for it in anticipation.   How we condition ourselves to fast from dawn to sunset without food and drink.

"It sounds so hard before one actually gets into it, but once Ramadan starts, I always feel that it ended too soon.   You see, it is a training camp where I always felt I have overcome myself.  I am able not to eat that chocolate or drink my favorite soft drink during fasting hours.

"As my dad always told me growing up, that is a time when one reflects on all the gifts one is given by our Creator.  It is a time to be more compassionate to those who are hungry.   It is a time to feel the pain of others . . . .   It is a time for generosity, as Muslims believe that during this month, God multiplies every good deed. . 

"Ramadan is a time to strengthen the social bond with neighbors as friends, as most days we do not break our fast alone -- we invite others and others invite us.   It is a time for family . . . . [and] a time of high spirituality."

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Soumaya Khalifa goes on to explain that there are challenges as well, especially this year, given that in 2016 Ramadan comes at a time when sunrise to sunset lasts 16 hours -- and, here in Atlanta, with temperatures in the upper 90s.

Knowing personally someone who observes the Ramadan fast, I have come to an appreciation of the positive meanings it has for them:   gaining mastery over one's appetites, giving to others, and reflecting on the importance of family and friends and community.

There is much to admire in this religion of peace, and it is distressing to see it distorted into hate and violence by a few extremists -- both those who resort to violence and those who blame and want to banish all Muslims because of the actions of those who distort the faith into extremism.   We need to work together to solve this problem.

Ralph