The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness, and it looks like it is going to be a very hot summer in Sacramento this year, so be sure to drink plenty of water and hydrate yourself each morning during Suhr.
Fasting is required for adult Muslims, except those who are:
- suffering from an illness.
- traveling
- elderly
- pregnant
- breastfeeding,
- diabetic
- chronically ill
- menstruating.
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fastings, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting except in self-defense.
Every year, the masjid serves Iftar to the community, in an effort to assist them in breaking their fast each evening. Please take some time to volunteer to bring a dish and or cater for an evening Iftar during this holy month, inshallah.