Ramadan prayers in Sana'a, Yemen. Photo by Al Jazeera English via Wikicommons.
Ramadan is a holy month of prayer and fasting. This year, it will begin in the evening of Tuesday, May 15, and continue through June 14. In Islamic tradition, the first day of Ramadan marks when the prophet Muhammad began receiving the revelations that would one day be compiled by his followers into the holy Quran.
During the month of Ramadan, adult followers of Islam abstain from food and water from dawn until dusk, engage in prayer and spiritual reflection, refrain from unholy thoughts and actions, and give generously to charity. At sunset, the day’s fast is broken by sharing Iftar, a community meal. Ramadan continues until the first day of the following month, Eid al-Fitr, which is marked by celebrations.
URI's grassroots peacebuilding groups, called Cooperation Circles, are formed by members of at least three different religions, spiritual expressions, or indigenous traditions. Learning about each other's holidays is one way to show mutual respect.
See more ways URI members work towards interfaith understanding and dialogue.