Local Muslims Observe the Start of Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad, will begin Sunday evening.

Muslim communities in Pasadena will host events to commemorate the holy month.

Omar Ricci, spokesperson for the Islamic Center of Southern California, said Ramadan is a period during which Muslims observe two practices.

“Number one, they fast from food and drink, including water, smoking and sex during the daylight hours from dawn until sunset every day for the entire month,” said Ricci. “The second thing is practicing a higher level of self-discipline, patience, charity and worship of God — an overall effort to improve one’s character during this month.”

Fasting is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

During Ramadan, which will last until sunset on or around April 10, Muslims engage in increased prayer and charity, both financially and feeding and supporting the local unhoused population.

Individuals and organizations typically host iftars, the meal eaten when breaking the fast, to benefit those in need.

Many Islamic centers and mosques host Qiyam al Layl prayers, voluntary prayer and worship typically performed between the night prayer (isha) and morning prayer (fajr).

The prayer session, hosted on March 15 by the Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California, the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, and the Islamic Society of Orange County, is titled “A Night For Justice.” According to organizers, it will focus on spirituality and advocacy and draw “strength in faith from the people of Palestine.”

The end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, will be marked by communal prayers called Salat al-Eid.