People of the Muslim faith are celebrating Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic year, now. For , 22, of Carmichael, observance of this holy month began Monday.
As Ramadan calls for fasting from food and water during daylight hours, except for children, the ill, elderly, pregnant women and women nursing infants, the first few days “are always the most difficult,” Kalush said.
“Thirst takes much more precedence over hunger, but given the humanitarian crises in Libya and Somalia, it's difficult to complain
about anything," she said. "The challenge is really more mental than physical, and it's a welcome one. It's always incredible and humbling to get a glimpse at what millions of those less fortunate than us go through.”
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During Ramadan, the pre-dawn, light meal is called Sahur.
Asked to describe the basics of how people plan to celebrate, she said in addition to the practices such as praying every night of the Ramadan, many people will host Iftars (the meal after the fast is broken) for friends and family.
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“Iftars are generally filled with dishes that otherwise make very infrequent appearances throughout the year, though these vary depending on the culture/country of origin of the individuals,” said Kalush. “People also sponsor iftars for single men and the
poor at local mosques.”
She is a Libyan-American, 2011 graduate of UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a lifetime resident of Carmichael.
The spiritual dimension of the religious celebration also features personal aims. “Many people set goals for themselves such as reading the entire Qu'ran (the Muslim holy book) several times throughout the month, or prohibiting themselves from certain behaviors they otherwise engage in—such as cursing or watching excessive television,” Kalush said.
August in Carmichael means the days are long. Further, the sun stays high in the sky for a long time.
So what is it like to celebrate Ramadan under such late summer conditions?
“I'm personally just getting accustomed to long, hot Ramadan days since throughout my life, Ramadan had always taken place during shorter parts of the year,” Kalush said. “I think this may be the first Ramadan to occur without the benefit of daylight savings as well!”
As Ramadan continues, the , with 12 of its 69 schools located in Carmichael, begins the fall semester Aug. 22.
Trent Allen is communications chief for the district. According to Allen, students who observe Ramadan and any other religious celebrations have options.
They “can make arrangements with their teacher and/or principal to make up any work missed due their participation or organize on campus events for other students during free time (such as) lunches, before and after school,” Allen said.
The federal Census Bureau and the district do not collect data on religion. Therefore, the exact number of Muslim students in the district and Muslim residents in Carmichael is unknown.
Born in Egypt, , 35, resides with his family in Carmichael now. He is also the religious leader of the Salam Islamic Center, 4541 College Oak Dr., across from .
About 850 people attend the Salam Islamic Center for weekly service, according to him. That weekly number rises to about 1,000 during Ramadan, with 500 attending nightly prayer (At-Tarawih or Al-Qiyam) during the Muslim holy month.
“When we celebrate Ramadan we celebrate spiritual power,” said Imam Azeez. “If we can hold ourselves from things that are permissible (food and drink), we can refrain from things that are not permissible, such as alcohol and lying.”
Azeez said there is a significance of celebrating Ramadan this year amid the popular upheavals sweeping the Middle East and North Africa.
“There’s a new spirit of democracy among the people in the region,” he said. “We remember these freedom fighters in our prayers.”