“Asalaamu Alaikum” “Walaikum Asalaam” Peace be upon you And peace be upon you

And as they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them, Peace be unto you." - New Testament (Luke 24:36) "And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house." - New Testament (Luke 10:5) "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" - New Testament (John 20:19) "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." - New Testament (John 20:21) "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" - New Testament (John 20:26)

Who is Allah? Allah is the Arabic term of God Almighty, this unique term has been used in all the scriptures that were sent to the creation through the Prophets, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Solomon, David, Moses, Jesus and finalising the revelations on the Prophet Muhammad Peace & Blessings upon them all. Hebrew: Elloh Aramaic was the language the injeel (Gospels of Jesus (Isa) were revealed in. The Name of God Almighty in Aramaic is ʼĔlāhā, or Alaha We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.“ Glorious Quran 29:46

What is Islam? Islam (Noun) comes from the root word Salaam (Peace) Arabic name of the System the creator has sent to his creation in order to find peace & tranquillity in this life & the next

Who is Muslim? Muslim (MUSS-SLIM Verb, Arabic term for one who Submits to the System of Islam, completely surrendering to the Almighty Creator of the heavens & the earth, only God Almighty can decide if you are Muslim (in true submission)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN Fasting in Ramadan is the 4th of the 5 pillars of Islam Shahadah The Declaration of faith Salah 5 Daily prayers Zakah Purification of wealth (2.5% of annual savings go to the poor) Saum Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory to all adult Muslims except those who are exempt. Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah - obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.

RAMADAN What is Ramadan? The significance of Ramadan? Fasting: What is it? Who fasts? Why? Typical Ramadan Activities. Eid-ul-Fitr: Marking the End of Ramadan. Working with Muslim Colleagues. Q&A

WHAT IS RAMADAN? Ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar (Lunar calendar). Ramadan is an Arabic word; its root “Ar-Ramad” means “dryness/heat.” The Lunar calendar is 10-11 days shorter than Gregorian calendar… therefore, Ramadan is 10-11 days earlier every year.

WHEN DOES IT BEGIN? It begins at the sighting of the new moon. Start of Ramadan could differ from one location to another depending on ability to sight the moon.

CAN YOU SPOT THE MOON? Folsom, CA Muhammad Nadim New moon is 30 min. old

CAN YOU SPOT THE MOON? Esfahan, Iran Alireza Mehrani New moon is 50 min. old

CAN YOU SPOT THE MOON? Esfahan, Iran Alireza Mehrani New moon is 90 min. old Alireza Mehrani

CAN YOU SPOT THE MOON? KL, Malaysia Ammar Tahir New moon is 24 hrs old

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN “Indeed, the month of Ramadan is when the Quran has been revealed, a guidance for mankind and a reference to the way and righteousness” (Holy Quran 2:185)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN Month in which the Quran (the holy book of Islam) was revealed. Special month of: Fasting, Repentance, Increased prayer, Increased charity. Ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr: Day of celebration and gratitude.

FASTING - WHY? PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was obligated upon those before you so that you may attain God consciousness.” [Quran 1:183] PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To attain “God consciousness“/ self-discipline (Taqwa) an Arabic word that comes from the root “wiqaya” which means prevention/protection SPIRITUAL OBJECTIVES/BENEFITS: Helps Muslims draw closer to God through increased recitation and reflection of the Qur’an and additional prayers/worship. Aids in increase of faith and sincerity and righteousness Aids in purification of the heart/soul and helps to improve one’s character. Trains the person to do praiseworthy acts e.g. charity, kindness, generosity, patience and forgiveness.

FASTING - WHY? Physical Objectives/Benefits: A fasting person experiences some of the hardships of the poor and hungry. Physiological effects include lowering of blood sugar, cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. Improves strength, endurance and self-discipline through physical abstentions.

FASTING - WHAT IS IT? Fasting begins at the break of dawn and ends at sunset Physical Aspect: Refrain from food, drink and intimacy during fasting hours Depending on location and season, it can vary from 12hrs to 18 hrs. Spiritual Aspect: Refrain from blameworthy thoughts and acts e.g. foul language, vain talk, hurtful behaviour, during all hours

WHO IS EXEMPT ? children (under the age of puberty) elderly the sick There are certain groups of people and circumstances that are exempt from fasting. For example: children (under the age of puberty) elderly the sick those with learning difficulties those who are travelling pregnant, breastfeeding and menstruating women.

THE (TYPICAL) ACTIVITIES OF RAMADAN Pre Dawn Meal (Suhoor) : Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day. Breaking the Fast (Iftar): breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily prayer). Night Prayers (Taraweeh) Optional Prayers at early night Quran Reading: Reading of the Quran during free time. Seclusion in Mosque & Optional late-night prayers in the last 10 days Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with neighbours, friends, and the poor.

Wake up for Morning Meal A TYPICAL RAMADAN DAY Wake up for Morning Meal Break the Fast 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 End of Night Prayer Fasting Starts Night Prayer

SUHUR (MORNING MEAL) Food eaten before dawn. Not obligatory. What is eaten.

IFTAR (BREAKING THE FAST) Food eaten at sunset. Fast has to be broken as soon as possible. Very social occasion. If you provide food for the breaking of the fast for someone else you receive double the reward.

WHAT HEALTHY MUSLIMS EAT

A HEALTHY MEAL

MY MEAL!

TARAWEEH (NIGHT PRAYER) Special night prayer only prayed during Ramadan. Not obligatory but highly recommended. Most Mosques recite the whole of the Quran during these prayers.

Ramadan evening prayer at the Holy Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia TARAWEEH IN MAKKAH Ramadan evening prayer at the Holy Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

MARKING THE END OF RAMADAN EID-UL-FITR MARKING THE END OF RAMADAN Eid-ul Fitr: The feast marking end of Ramadan. Zakat-ul Fitr: A prescribed amount of money obligatory on every Muslim, calculated to feed one poor person in his region for one day. Eid activities include: Eid prayer in the early morning. Visiting family, friends, neighbours, the sick, elderly etc. Enjoying festive meals. Modest gift-giving especially to children. The greeting on that day is: Eid Mubarak.

WORKING WITH MUSLIM COLLEAGUES Try to avoid the following for your Muslim colleagues: Meetings which include lunch Meetings very early in the morning or extending after 5 p.m. Department parties (or social events) during Ramadan. Be understanding that it is the most special month in a Muslim’s calendar. It is common to take vacation during the last week of Ramadan. Eid Day is off, especially for those with family. Greeting colleagues saying: “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) is a very nice way to cross into a new culture. If invited to share Iftar, try to make it… it will be fun!

IN CONCLUSION Ramadan makes you more conscious of what you are doing and saying. Builds self discipline. Makes you more charitable. Reconnects you to your faith. Strengthens community spirit.

Any Questions?

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