Islam began in the Arab nations when the Prophet Muhammad was called to be God's messenger, and he began to teach the people that there was only one true God.  Allah means "God" in Arabic.  In the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (Ramadan,) the Holy Quran, or Koran, was sent down from heaven, and taught to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.  The Koran states that God is the creator of the world, and controls the world.  "Muslim" means "one who gives himself to God," and that is exactly what people are called to do.  Muslims follow the teachings of the Koran and strive to uphold the Five Pillars of Faith, or five main duties of Islam.  They are:

1)  Shahada, affirmation - the duty to recite, "There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

2)  Salat, prayer - the duty to worship God five times each day.

3)  Zakat, almsgiving - the duty to help the needy.

4)  Siyam, fasting - the duty to observe the Fast of Ramadan.

5)  Hajj, pilgrimage - the duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's life.

During each day of Ramadan, Muslims fast from daylight to night, concentrating on their faith and worshipping.  The Koran says that the fast can be broken at night, and a person can eat and drink until "you can plainly distinguish a black thread from a white thread by daylight."  The daylight fast is broken at night by a prayer and a meal called the "iftar."  During the fast, there are many strong restrictions placed on everyday life, concerning different forms of pleasure or habit.

Islamic scholars believe that the first revelation of the Koran to Muhammad occurred on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan.  This is the Night of Power, called Laylat-al-Qadr, and it is when God determines the course of the world until the next year.

Those who observe Ramadan in prayer and fasting will have their sins forgiven.  Five things can destroy the good that is attained during the fast:  the telling of a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, and greed or covetousness.

On the first day of the month of Shawwal, the Fast of Ramadan ends, and a holiday called Id-al-Fitr is celebrated.  Family and friends gather to pray and enjoy large meals together, in addition to exchanging gifts.  In many places, there are street festivals and fairs.
"A blessed 'Eid."
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Islamic Holidays and Observances