COLUMBUS, 5 October 2005 — The majority of Muslims in the USA will mark the first day of Ramadan by fasting today. A small minority, however, began the fast on Tuesday which is also the day the month began in Saudi Arabia.
Rashid, a businessman in Panama City, Florida fasted on Tuesday but his sister, Afia, who lives in Columbus will fast today. Rashid explained, “If the majority of Muslims in Panama City fast on Tuesday as is being done in Saudi Arabia, so will I, even though I know that most American Muslims will begin their fast on Wednesday.”
Afia feels that Ramadan and Eid should be celebrated together by families. “I find it very hard to believe that I might be fasting and on the same day, my brother will be celebrating Eid. This has happened in the past and it is not a good feeling. When we were younger, there were no conflicts and we all celebrated Eid together.”
Mr. and Mrs. Abdul Rahman in Columbus will fast on Wednesday but only 130 miles away, their son, Faisal, a doctor in Cleveland fasted on Tuesday. “I am too busy to really care about when we fast. Monday, Tuesday what difference does it make? But I do hope that my parents and I can celebrate Eid together because it will be awkward if one is fasting and the other, feasting.”
Sabra Suhurwardy is a director of the Islamic Center in San Ramon Valley, California. She was busy taking calls explaining it was scientifically impossible for the moon to be seen in the United States on Monday night and therefore Ramadan would have to begin on Wednesday.
“Some time ago, when there was only a handful of Muslims in the US, they followed Saudi Arabia about when to celebrate Ramadan and Eid. According to a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) we are encouraged to see the moon in our own vicinity. It is unfortunate that Muslims cannot unite on the question of sighting of the moon. It used to be simpler before. Now, with diversity, we are having problems and differences of opinions on very basic, simple things.”
Whichever day people fast, Ramadan is being welcomed with fervor, enthusiasm and shopping frenzies. The most popular Ramadan items are dates and halal meat.
Bushes Congratulate Muslims
President Bush and the first lady, Laura Bush, congratulated Muslims all over the world in a statement released by the White House yesterday.
“Laura and I send warm greetings to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world as they begin the observance of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, is the holiest month of the Muslim year. It is a special time of reflection, fasting, and charity. It is also a time of spiritual growth and prayer and an occasion to remember the less fortunate by sharing God’s gifts with those in need.
“Throughout our history, America has been blessed by the contributions of people of many different faiths. Our Muslim citizens have helped make our nation a stronger and more hopeful place through their faith, generosity and compassion. May this be a blessed Ramadan for Muslims in the United States and around the world. Ramadan Mubarak.”
