The month of Ramadan

During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, nearly all Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sundown and abstain from smoking, drinking (including water) and sexual activity during the daylight hours. Ramadan is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the teachings of the Quran, the Islamic holy book, as a guide for mankind and a means for judging between right and wrong. Fasting during Ramadan, known as Sawm, is one of the five pillars, the basic principles that are essential to the Islamic faith.

Because of the lunar calendar, Ramadan and the other months fall in different seasons depending on the year. Over the course of their lives, Muslims around the world have the opportunity to experience fasting during long summer days, short winter days and everything in between.
As in a pilgrimage, fasting during Ramadan takes people out of their normal lifestyles and requires them to engage in solemn contemplation and examination. Experiencing hunger and thirst is supposed to heighten people's awareness of the sufferings of the poor, and gain a greater appreciation for what they have.

At ICIPA, community Iftars are held every Friday, Sunday and Tuesday during the month of Ramadan. The Masjid Committee will schedule sponsored Iftar meals but one of the three Iftar days in each week will be designated a Potluck day for the Community to share their favorite Iftar dishes. Taraweeh and Witr prayers are held every evening during this month. In the last ten days of Ramadan, the masjid holds Qiyamulail from 2 am until Fajr. The activities at this hour are Witr prayers, Sahur and Fajr Prayers.