BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Diversity, Equity & Inclusion//NONSGML Events//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/calendar/ X-WR-CALDESC:Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Events BEGIN:VEVENT UID:20240311T0106Z-1710119161.7488-EO-51247-1@172.23.128.18 STATUS:CONFIRMED DTSTAMP:20260515T191039Z CREATED:20240310T224533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240311T003229Z DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240310 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240410 SUMMARY: Ramadan DESCRIPTION: This week marks the beginning of Ramadan this year and ends on April 9th. People all over the world\, here in St. Louis\, and many collea gues and patients will celebrate and observe Ramadan. As we work towards a culture that values diversity and a community that strives to foster belong ing\, we thought it might be […] X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

This week marks the beginning of Ramadan t his year and ends on April 9th. People all over the world\, here in St. Lou is\, and many colleagues and patients will celebrate and observe Ramadan. A s we work towards a culture that values diversity and a community that stri ves to foster belonging\, we thought it might be helpful to share a little information about Ramadan and how to be respectful of those who observe it.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan\, the most sacred mon th of the year for Muslims\, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calend ar. It lasts 29 or 30 days\, depending on when the new crescent moon is\, o r should be\, visible. Ramadan is remembered as the month in which the Prop het Muhammad was revealed the first verses of the Qur'an and includes fasti ng\, extra worship\, charity as well as special family and community time\, particularly around breaking fast together.

Why an d how do Muslims fast?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam\, along with the prof ession of faith\, prayer\, almsgiving\, and pilgrimage. Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset for the entire month of Ramadan. The fast includ es refraining from food\, drink and intimacy during daylight hours. It is m eant to be a time of deep spiritual contemplation and reflection of one’s r elationship with God. It is also a time of celebration and joy to be spent with loved ones. Additional goals of fasting include reconnecting with the Qur'an\, cultivation of good character\, increase in willpower and self-con trol\, and feeling compassion for others.

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The first pre-dawn meal of the day during Ram adan is called “suhoor.” Each day’s fast is broken with a meal known as “if tar.” Traditionally\, a date is eaten to break the fast. Iftars are often e laborate feasts celebrated with family and friends

At the end of the Ramadan\, which th is year it will be on April 9th\, Muslims celebrate the conclusion of Ramad an with a holiday called Eid al-Fitr which means "Festival of Breaking the Fast". The holiday is celebrated with special prayers\, gifts and lots of g ood food!

Here are some additional resources to learn more: