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Show L r Muslims celebrate holy month of Ramadan Muslims living in Davis County, like their counterparts worldwide, are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan began March 5. It is the holiest month of the year because it is the month Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad for the guidance of everyone in each generation, said Suzanne Abu-Ramaileh, Bountiful. It is celebrated in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which consists con-sists of 12 lunar months, equalling 354 days. So, 33 Muslim years equals about 32 solar years. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with close to one billion adherents. Utah's population of Muslims is quite small, although there are two mosques in the state, one in Salt Lake City and one in Ogden. Muslims make up a small percentage percen-tage of Davis County's population. Abu-Ramaileh said there are quite a few Muslims in Layton and a few Muslim families scattered through Kaysville, Farmington, Centerville and Bountiful. However, she said it's hard to pin down exact numbers, since unlike most Christians, Muslims do not necessarily have to belong to a mosque to be an active Muslim. Consequently, Muslims in a par ticular community may not know all the other members living there. She said most Muslims who live in Davis County like it, because Muslims share the conservative values held by most living in the county. Among values shared are Muslims don't drink and tend to dress conservatively. During Ramadan, all Muslims in good health fast during the day through the entire month. However, those who are ill or who are traveling, travel-ing, may fast the missed days at a later time. Abu-Ramaileh, explained fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. She said Ramadan is a blessed month that provides greater rewards than fasting other times of the year. The Koran says of the month: "O people, peo-ple, a blessed month is drawing near with one night better than 1,000 months. ' ' Muslims regard fasting as a means of achieving the highest spiritual moral and physical discipline. Seeking to please God through righteous living is a requirement re-quirement of all Muslims. Ramadan, Abu-Ramaileh said, is a time to renew mastery of our earthly ear-thly appetites. Fasting not only helps Muslims do that, but is an outward manifestation of our inner yearning to be closer to God. Evenings during Ramadan aft joyous occasions. Muslims reac one-thirtieth of the Koran each day so by the end of the month, they've read the entire book. At sunset, Muslims break their fast and eat f dinner. Then at dawn, they begin V their next day of fasting again. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitar, a holiday of feasting and celebrating. Eid Al-Fitar Al-Fitar will fall on April 3 or April 4 this year, depending upon which day the new moon is sighted. Eid Al-Fitar is the first day of the month of Shawaal. It begins with each member of the family performing perform-ing an act of charity for die poor. Once this is completed, the family shares the holiday with friends. The early morning prayer is said and sweets are eaten. Fun activities are planned for children and cards are sent to friends living far away. Children are allowed to stay up late and receive gifts. Most Muslims living in southern Davis County use the Salt Lake City mosque for worship, while those living in northern Davis County tend to use the mosque in Ogden. However, Muslims use the Salt Lake City mosque more often for special occasions, Abu-Ramaileh Abu-Ramaileh said. The Muslim community welcomes those interested in learning learn-ing more about Islam. Please contact con-tact the Islamic Society of Salt Lake, 740 S. 700 East, Salt Lake City, or call 364-7822. |