(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 4/23/2020) – The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said that the local Muslim community will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don) on Friday, April 24.*
To assist our fellow Oklahomans in understanding the important aspects of the Holy Month of Ramadan, CAIR Oklahoma has just releases the latest episode of their Islam in 90 web series “Islam in 90: Ramadan Edition.”
WATCH: Islam in 90: Ramadan Edition
[*NOTE: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary. Consult local Muslim communities for the beginning and end dates of Ramadan.]
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from before dawn until sunset. Fasting, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
The Fiqh Council of North America (a national council of Islamic legal scholars) has called on mosques and Islamic centers to “strictly follow the health and state official guidelines for social gatherings and distancing,” and to hold special nightly Ramadan prayers “at home within a family setting.”
“Ramadan is a time dedicated to healing the mind, body, and soul through individual and community worship. Muslims fast as an act of worship, as a means of increasing spirituality, discipline, self-restraint and generosity,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “Due to the impacts of COVID-19, there will be a major shift in the social tradition of breaking fast and praying together this Ramadan. Many Muslims are anxious about how they can engage in the social, education, and spiritual demands of the month. Still, there is also optimism and opportunity as many organizations move their programs online and shift resources to support community members who have lost their jobs.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.