(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/6/2019) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and approximately 500,000 Muslims in the Greater Los Angeles area and millions around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don) that begins on or about May 6.*
[*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 fast is performed to increase spirituality, discipline, self-restraint and generosity while obeying God’s commandments,” said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush.
The holy month will be welcomed with community services projects and outreach to help those of other faiths get to know the Southern California Muslim community better.
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” (eed-al-fitter) or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on or about June 4.
CAIR-LA representatives plan to visit every mosque in Southern California during the month.
“I pray this month brings with it lots of blessings,” Ayloush said. “Our staff looks forward to meeting many members of the American Muslim community during visits to one of the mosques in Southern California.”
CAIR offers guides to Muslim religious practices, which outline basic information about Islamic beliefs that are relevant to educators, employers, health care providers, law enforcement and correctional institutions.
SEE: Guides to Muslim Religious Practices
https://www.cair.com/guides-to-muslim-religious-practices
CAIR-LA is Southern California’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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-776-1847 or efields@cair.com