(ANAHEIM, CA, 5/14/2018) – Close to 500,000 Muslims in the Greater Los Angeles area and millions around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan on Wednesday, May 16. 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.
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.
“The fast is performed to increase spirituality, discipline, self-restraint, and generosity while obeying God’s commandments,” said CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush.
Fasting, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the “five pillars” of Islam.
The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called “Eid ul-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on June 15. CAIR-LA represenatives plan to visit every mosque in Southern California during the month.
“I pray this month brings with it lots of blessings,” Ayloush said. “I look forward to seeing you at one of my visits to one of the mosques in Southern California.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-776-1847 or email efields@cair.com