Benedictine Students Celebrate Religious Holidays

By Cyntillia Eison

Ben.edu

Comm 208

Email Me

Muslims celebrate Ramadan, when it was believed that the holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation." Muslims fast the entire duration of this month concentrating on their faith with worship and contemplation. Fasting includes refraining from eating during daylight hours, smoking and sexual relations. At the end of the day prayer and a meal called the "iftar" breaks the fast and participant traditionally have social gatherings. The next morning the fast is resumed.

A false oath, lying, slander, greed, covetousness, and denouncing someone behind his back can destroy the good acquired a fast.
Going to the "Masjid" (Mosque) and spending several hours in prayer and study of the Quran is customary during this time. Other customs include reciting a specials prayer called the "Taraweeh" (Night Prayer) and committing the entire night to prayer. The "Laylat-al-qadr" (Night of power) is celebrated on the twenty-seventh day, it is believed that Muhammad received the revelation of the Holy Quran on this day. Also it is believed that this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.