Demystifying Ramadan: Practices of Ramadan in United States and Around the World

Around the world, more than a billion Muslims (practitioners of Islam) celebrate the holiday of Ramadan each year during a month of fasting and prayer to commemorate a major event in their faith.

Ramadan lasts for an entire month and always falls on the ninth month of the Arabic year. Because the moon-based Arabic calendar has 350 days, Ramadan moves by 11 calendar days on the Gregorian (western) calendar each year.

The holiday honors Muhammad's trek through present-day Saudi Arabia. During this time, Muslims believe Allah (God) gave the words of the Koran to Muhammad via the archangel Gabriel, who also appears as a divine messenger in Judeo-Christian tradition.

Muslims must fast during Ramadan; they are not permitted to eat until sundown each day. At sundown, Muslims partake in the iftar, a breaking of the fast. This is followed by prayer.

Children, senior citizens and the sick are not required to fast during Ramadan. Devout Muslims also abstain from violent behavior of any kind, tobacco use and sexual activities.

When the ninth month ends, so does Ramadan. Those who have celebrated hold a three-day feast and use the time to exchange gifts and remember loved ones who have passed on.

Ramadan in the Middle East

American Ben Miller spent time in Jordan with his family. A Christian, Miller learned about and respected Ramadan and the traditions of Islam while in Jordan.

"Everyone participates at least minimally during Ramadan, with not eating, drinking, or even smoking during the day," Miller said, also noting that as in other religions, some practitioners are more devout than others.

"I had to be careful not to eat or drink outside or even on the balcony during the day. It would be extremely rude to eat or drink in front of someone who is fasting," Miller noted. "Another small thing was that everything pretty much shut down around sundown."

Miller also learned to avoid being on the bus at sundown. "Everyone lights a cigarette at exactly the same time," he said.

Miller's father is also a Christian and observed Ramadan on a few separate occasions.

Ramadan in the United States

The White House traditionally hosts an iftar. In 2010, President Obama highlighted Muslim Americans' contributions to the United States and the world at the iftar.

Obama defended the proposed controversial existence of the Cordoba Institute, saying: "As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America. And our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable."

While the celebration of Ramadan is not as popular in the United States as it is in the Middle East, friends of Ramadan celebrants are usually welcome to participate in the iftar meal. It is especially considerate to refrain from eating before sundown in the presence of a Ramadan celebrant, though most Muslims in America do not expect this.