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Muslims celebrate Ramadan in Sept.

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  September marks the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for many of the host-nation's citizens. 

Ramadan runs from about Sept. 12 to Oct. 13. It is during this month in A.D. 683 that Muslims believe Allah called on Muhammad to serve as his prophet, passing down writings that would become the Koran. 

Ramadan is the most important time for Muslims because it's when they atone for their sins, said Ch. (Capt.) Abdullah Al-Mubarack, Air Force Academy and one of two Muslim imams in the Air Force. 

One of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims must adhere to is fasting, which occurs during Ramadan. 

Muslims also use this time to help each other identify with the poor, Chaplain Al-Mubarack said 

Muslims must fast between sunrise and sunset. 

"Be sensitive to Muslims that work around you on base and off" said Maj. Scott Workman, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing force protection chief. "Don't eat, drink, or smoke in front of them out of courtesy because during daylight hours they are abstaining." 

Muslims spend nights during Ramadan breaking the fast and spending time with their families. The month ends in a celebration called Eid-al-Fitr, which lasts for several days. During this time, Muslims feast, share gifts and spend time with each other.
According to Major Workman, stores downtown may close during the day and open later in the evening, or may close altogether. Be patient with what might seem like a lack of interest in customer service as it is acceptable here to put everything on hold until after the day's fast. Stores that do stay open may have slow service while its proprietors perform their daily rituals. Airmen who conduct business outside the gates may want to call ahead to arrange a suitable time to come by. 

Servicemembers should watch for a battle staff directive and a policy letter regarding off-base travel during this time. 

Deployments offer the chance to visit foreign places and interact with host-nation citizens, so it is always important for servicemembers to remember they're guests and to be culturally aware of the host-nation's practices and beliefs in an effort to be respectful and courteous of their holy month.