Ramadan is one of the five requirements (or pillars) of Islam. During each of its 30 days, Muslims are obligated to fast from dawn until sunset. During this time they are supposed to abstain from food, drinking liquids, smoking, and sexual relations.
Many women spend the afternoons preparing a big meal. At sunset, families often gather to break the fast, at home or out in a restaurant. Traditionally, families break the fast with a drink of water, then three dried date fruits, and a multi-course meal. After eating, many people go out to coffee shops where they drink coffee, and smoke with friends until late into the night. Many people will wake up early to eat breakfast and pray before the sun comes up.
Though some are turned off by the hypocrisy and rudeness that can be pervasive through the month, others become more serious about religion during this time. Many attend the evening prayer services and do other ritual prayers. Some even read the entire Quran (about a tenth the length of the Bible), or stay up all night praying for some of the nights. This sincere seeking makes it a strategic time for us to pray for them.
