Jamestown Islamic Society members and local practicing Muslim families recently began fasting for the month of Ramadan, one of the main five pillars of Islam.
This year, and according to the Muslim Lunar calendar in North America, Ramadan started on July 19 and is expected to conclude Aug. 18. A practicing Muslim, male and female, must strictly observe the fasting from all food and drink form dawn to dusk for about 30 consecutive days. Muslims also must increase acts of worship, good deeds and charitable donations. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims demonstrate obedience to God and ask him to bestow peace, mercy and blessings in their respective communities and across the world.
Jamestown Islamic Society members hold an annual food or school supplies drive to benefit St. Susan Kitchen and/or the Joint Neighborhood Project. Marking the end of Ramadan, a holiday celebration takes place where Muslims enjoy some of the best ethnic home-cooked meals, sweets, and pastries, after a special prayer for "Eid-ul-fitr" (celebrating an end of Ramadan and fasting) that will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 19. All area Muslims are invited to participate in the congregational prayers at the Islamic Center, 1235 N. Main St., Jamestown.
Friends and interested individuals are also welcome to visit the Islamic Center.
For more information, or to receive the local five-daily prayer times and a Ramadan calendar, contact Jamestown Islamic Society center at 777-4113 or visit samqadri.wix.com/islamicsociety.