RAMADHAN 101.....

Today is the beginning of the Month of Ramadhan , which is the Ninth of the Islamic Lunar calendar It is the Islamic month in which participating Muslims fast by refraining from eating, drinking, sexual conduct, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; Fasting is meant to teach patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadhan is a time to fast for the sake of Allah (God) and to offer more prayer than usual. Muslims also believed through good actions, they get rewarded seventy times as much as they normally can achieve. During Ramaḍān, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. Ramadhan was the month in which the first verses of the Muslim holy book the Quran were revealed to Muslim prophet Muhammad.
For the next 30 days starting from tomorrow as a Muslim, I will be fasting from dawn to sunset which means i have to give up coffee or bagel or my favorite el grey tea at the north Star cafe or any where for that matter. It is also a time for those that have a lot to feel how the most vulnerable members of our society feel when they cant afford to have three square meals. Islam teaches us to be very giving to take care of the poor amongst us
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. It has been an integral part of all major religions. The Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) fasted for forty days before he was called to prophethood (Matthew 4:2). Similarly Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) fasted for forty days and nights before he was given the Law (Exodus 24:18).

For more information on this topic please check the following websites.
http://www.islamicfinder.org
http://www.islamicity.com

Quote of the day:
O who believe, fasting is decreed for you
as it was decreed for those before you;
perchance you will guard yourselves.
...
The month of Ramadan is the month
in which the Koran was sent down,
a guidance for the people,
and clear verses of guidance and
criterion.
[Quran: Chapter 2, 183]