Wednesday, March 22, at sundown began the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan for the members of our community who practice Islam. Ramadan continues until the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which will likely begin at sundown on Thursday, April 20, and continue on Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22. Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. Consequently, the start and end dates change annually.
The physical fast occurs daily from dawn to sunset. Generally, those observing Ramadan will eat a pre-fast meal before dawn called Suhūr (Suhoor), and at sundown, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar (if-tar). The Iftar meal is mostly communal; family and friends gather to eat and welcome guests with food.
Here are a few ways to support our Muslim colleagues, students, and friends during Ramadan:
- Avoid planning events, parties, etc. that center around food and drink. Particularly avoid scheduling these things during Eid al-Fitr, April 21 & 22, 2023.
- Ramadan fasting is a spiritual event, kindly refrain from comparing fasting to dieting.
- Share the proper Ramadan greeting of “Ramadan Mubarak” (moo-bahr-uh k), which means have a blessed fasting.
