Understanding Ramadan: Tips from Locals

The holiest month in the Islamic faith began Tuesday for 20 percent of the world's population and will be observed through Aug. 8, 2013.

Understand what the holy month of Ramadan is all about with these tips from Baltimore-area locals:

Hassan Rasheed of the Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore:

• During Ramadan as you read the Quran and making your prayers, focus on improving yourself through the revelation and include in your prayers a request for help from G'd and the people around you.
• Be patient with yourself, that is if you can't fast the whole time or can't read the whole Quran, then do as much as you can and be satisfied that G'd knows your intention and the next time make it a goal to do better.
• Ramadan is a public affair as opposed to a private affair between G'd and the individual. The fast during Ramadan is like most rituals in Al-Islam in that it is situational. For instance, if you are ill or on medication or just not strong enough to fast, you can provide meals for some needy people—with the stipulation the meal must be equal to what you would eat.

• People seem to think Ramadan is a holiday when it is a holy month that is both observed and celebrated.
• The Transportation Security Administration offers tips on what to expect while traveling during Ramadan.
• Ramadan is a lunar month, so compared to the Gregorian calendar, it occurs slightly earlier every year.
• Because Muslims have to abstain from food and drink, they usually decline invites to go grab a bite.
• While Ramadan is a holy month, many Muslims also celebrate it by decorating their homes with lights and inviting friends and family to join them in opening the fast.
• Taking your medicine while fasting could break a fast, so many Muslims have to be very careful about when and how they take their medications.
• Fasting is not obligatory for the sick, traveling, pregnant or elderly.

>>>Read the full article on Understanding Ramadan.