Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, and will start around April 2 this year with the sighting of the new moon.
During this holy month, Muslims around the world fast from pre-sunrise to sunset each day and increase their purposeful acts of worship. The world’s almost two billion Muslims come together during Ramadan through shared experiences that challenge yet fortify; humble yet empower; require sacrifice yet provide greater rewards in return. Abstaining from food, drink and intimacy during these daytime hours allows Muslims to focus more on activities that strengthen our relationship with the creator. This includes devoting time to read and contemplate lessons from the Qur’an, performing additional prayers at home and at the mosque, and connecting with our diverse community via inclusion and charity.
As Muslims prioritize their spiritual well-being, they aspire to forego negative acts/habits (i.e., arguing) and engage in increasing good deeds (i.e., acts of kindness). Fasting with the intention of gaining greater God-consciousness naturally instills a sense of self-discipline and patience, gratitude for our blessings and compassion for the hungry and less fortunate. Muslims appreciate cultural sensitivity from colleagues and coworkers for their endurance and need to focus on their relationship with Allah through performing extra prayers, which might fall during work hours for some. The month concludes with Eid-ul-Fitr, before which Muslims pay Zakat (donation) to those who are poor and in need so that they can enjoy the Eid celebration.
To the Muslim faculty, staff, and trainees of the UNMC community who are preparing to welcome this blessed month, a reminder that The Interfaith Prayer Space, which completed construction approximately one year ago, is Room 1469 on Level 1 of the Nebraska Medical Center’s University Tower, and it is available for use year-round. Ramadan Mubarak! (Blessed Ramadan!)