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Muslims embark on holy days
By JEAN JOHNSON BROOKSVILLE -- At sundown tonight, Muslims throughout the world begin Ramadan, the holy month of fasting mandated by the Koran. Observance of the fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include the declaration of faith; prayer; a contribution to the poor, and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) once in a lifetime if one has the means to undertake the journey). Samar Shakfeh, however, believes spiritual meaning is more important than the fasting. "You nurture your soul as you normally do your body," said Shakfeh. "From one year to the other, we long for (Ramadan) because we really feel complete in that month," she said. Children, she said, must begin abiding by the rules of Ramadan when they reach puberty -- both physically and emotionally. Her oldest daughter, Danya, began fasting at age 7. "Fasting is left up to each individual child," said Shakfeh, "and usually the parent will tell the child to eat if (he or she) gets hungry." Dr. Adel Eldin, an interventional cardiologist from Brooksville, said "children begin training between the ages of 7 and 10 and go two and three hours a day and increase (the hours) gradually. "Ramadan teaches discipline to be able to suppress the desire of food and drink and only seek to please God" for which he will reward you, said Eldin. He said the month has special charm, beauty and magic. "This is the time to score and score big with Allah." Dr. Ghiath Ramalgi, a Brooksville endocrinologist, said "basically, the fast is to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset. The purpose is beyond the physical aspect. It is supposed to be a time to learn self-discipline, self-restraint, to purify your heart and your conduct. "You're not supposed to speak loudly, use foul language or act foolishly," said Ramalgi. The world's Muslim population is estimated at about 1.2-billion. It is the second largest religion in the world. The population of Muslims in North America is said to be at least 5-million. Shakfeh, born in Damascus, Syria, came to the United States with her family when she was 18. She has two married sisters who also live in Brooksville, and a younger brother who resides in Damascus. Although worshipers generally attend mosque services on the Sabbath, Friday, during this highly religious month, eight pairs of prayers are said each day and 19 at night at the mosque or at home. These special Ramadan prayers are said in addition to the regular five daily prayers. Ten days before the end of Ramadan and three days after Ramadan, a festival atmosphere is created. Homes are decorated with lights, flowers and ornaments. The morning after Ramadan, prayers are offered at the mosque after the fast is broken. "An official holiday will be proclaimed because we have fulfilled an obligation," said Shakfeh. Gifts are exchanged and relatives visit each other. "It is hoped," said Shakfeh, "that our prayers were accepted and have washed away our sins and we have been rejuvenated and will now get a fresh start." Ramadan ends Dec. 16.
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