Today's Holyday Art (RAMADAN) for Muslims by Helen Zughaib

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

"Midnight Prayers" by Helen Zughaib

Ramadan is the annual monthly of Holydays celebrating the revelation of the Quran, the word of Allah, given to the Prophet Muhammad. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness.

• Official names: Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn]; Persian: Ramazān‎; Urdu: Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan)
• Observed by: Muslims
• Beginning: July 21, 2012 (North America) but varies by country beginning either on 19th, 20th or 21st
• Length: 30 days of Ramadan in 2012 end on Sunday, August 19th
• Celebrations Communal "Iftars" or daily fast-breaking meal experienced by entire family at sunset
• Observances: Fasting, alms-giving, prayer, and reading the Quran
• Greeting: "Ramadan Mubarak" a message of congratulations
• Interfaith Links: None