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JEAN JOHNSONRamadan is a time to cleanse and better oneself physically, mentally and spiritually. Daily fasting is part of the regimen.
Muslims throughout Tampa Bay, and the world, have begun observing Ramadan.
The monthlong observance began Friday with the appearance of the crescent (new) moon. The period ushers in a time of discipline through worship and fasting.
During the lunar month of Ramadan, all Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex from dawn to dusk, give to the poor, and pray daily at mosques. Families awaken before dawn to have a light meal, and some may go back to sleep for a couple of hours before rising a second time to begin their daily responsibilities - school, work, household duties. After sunset prayer comes dinner. Because Ramadan focuses on community, Muslims often invite others to share the evening meal.
Dr. Adel Eldin, a Hernando County cardiologist, remembers that when he was growing up in Egypt, his grandmother would give him a food tray to give to the poor who were thirsty and hungry. Such charity is one of Islam's five pillars, the others being prayer, fasting, declaration of faith and a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca.
"It was a moment of joy," said Eldin of Ramadan. "No one slept during Ramadan. I don't know how we got the energy or strength, but God gave it to us.
"This is the month when you learn discipline, control desires, have an opportunity to do good deeds, call a family member or loved one, get closer to family ties and remember those who have passed away," Eldin said. "It's a time of interfaith where people get together and break bread and tell stories."
Edris and Soniya Abdur-Rasheed are American-born Muslims who moved to Spring Hill in June from East Patchogue, N.Y.
Mrs. Abdur-Rasheed's parents and grandparents are Indian. She was a practicing Hindu until she became a Muslim more than two years ago. Adjusting to the restrictions of Ramadan takes effort.
"It's like any other thing. Practice makes perfect," she said. "It's not easy, but the more you practice it and learn about it, it becomes easier."
She pointed out that because there are more daylight hours in Florida, the period of fasting would be longer than when she was living in New York.
Edris Abdur-Rasheed, 30, said Ramadan gives a person the opportunity to "cleanse and better yourself physically, mentally and spiritually."
Pregnant woman, the sick, the insane and those traveling are exempt from fasting.
Another name for Ramadan is "fleeting month" because it goes by so quickly, said Abdur-Rasheed, the descendant of three or four generations of American-born Muslims.
"You hope God will bless you with another Ramadan and that you gain an enormous amount of blessing for that month," he said.
Charles Ramadan is a 50-year-old married father of four who emigrated from Lebanon to Houston in 1969, at the age of 15. He studied food and restaurant management while working as a bus boy before moving to Las Vegas in 1971, where he got married and began a catering business to the Hollywood crowd.
Three years ago, he moved to Massachusetts to be closer to family members. But after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, Ramadan decided to move to Florida to escape the cold and snow.
He said he wasn't able to fast during the holy month while in the catering business because he was always tasting the prepared meals. Did Allah hold that against him?
"I'm pretty sure there are exceptions to certain things," he said. "The days are more serene now and I'm always aware of every word coming from our creator."
On a typical day during the month, he will eat a light meal at dawn before morning prayer and go back to sleep. He will take it easy during the day and help out with his 2-year-old son.
"The days seem longer when you're not busy," he said. He will also pray five times a day, either at home or at the mosque.
But the austerity is followed by cheer.
"We'll celebrate with three days of eid (break the fast) which is a festive celebration," he said. "We'll dress nice and go to gatherings and to prayer with family and kids, and it's almost the equivalent of Christmas at a church."