Islam uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays “move” each year. In 2005 Ramadan will begin on Oct. 5.

Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today’s Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur’an.

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     As you may already know, I am not a religious person. However, I recognize this Muslim holidday in this entry because I think we forget how important it is to some people. But also, there is heightened awareness since I’m taking a Middle Eastern studies class this semester at CSUS (Sac. St. for those acronymically challenged). Out of the five pillars of Islam, this one fascinates me most. Jesus fasted, so did Moses (both for 40 days and nights). Buddha fasted, and so did a myriad of other religious dudes. Maybe there truly is something spiritual in fasting.
     I heard a show on NPR this last weekend about a guy who did a real, no-food fast for 20 days and it was interesting to hear what he found. Instead of finding peace or serenity, or coming closer to God, he instead found a bit more perspective of the world. It softened his edge to get angry with people so easily (perhaps that’s because his blood sugar was so low, and he didn’t have the energy). But the funniest part of the program was when he described his last day on the fast and how excited it was for it to come to an end.
     Whether or not there is a deepened spirituality in a fast, I do not know. But I have to say that I’m starting to respect this fourth pillar of Islam, Ramadam, a little bit more. It’s a time when you fast (which is a good counter to the rampant gluttony that exists, especially in America). A time when you spend extra time with family and friends. And a time when you reflect upon your life and celebrate the teachings of Muhammad (who was not really a prophet,… he considered himself just a man).

Good luck with your physical and spiritual renewal.