(SACRAMENTO, CA – 5/6/2019) – The Sacramento Valley office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV), approximately 75,000 Muslims in the Greater Sacramento Valley and millions around the world are beginning the monthlong 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.
“Muslims fast over the holy month to increase spirituality, discipline, self-restraint and generosity,” said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra.
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-SV staff will visit a number of mosques in the region during Ramadan.
“We pray that blessings abound during this holy month,” Elkarra said. “Our team is looking forward to connecting with the community at various events and services.”
CAIR offers guides to Muslim religious practices, which outline basic information about Islamic beliefs that are relevant to educators, employers and health care providers.
CAIR-SV is an office of CAIR, 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-SV Communications Manager Kalin Kipling-Mojaddedi, 916-441-6269, kkipling@cair.com
