In the Holy Qu’ran, God proclaims that “fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you.”
Muslims fast to discipline their body and mind.
“The absence of food and drink and other pleasures provides a perfect opportunity to concentrate on prayer and worship,” British journalist Adam Yosef wrote in a 2005 BBC online article. “Not having the luxuries of life makes it easier to reflect on life and be grateful for what we do have. Muslims use this month to start afresh and give their life a new direction.”
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The children and the sick, however, are exempted from fasting.
Yosef said the fast begins just before dawn when Muslims eat a light meal and confirm their intention to fast for the day.
“The fast ends at sunset when the call to prayer (Adhan) is announced. Eating a date or some water are the recommended and most popular methods of concluding the fast. The time when the fast ends is known as ‘Iftar.’ ”
On Saipan, Muslims have two mosques — one in Garapan and the other Finasisu. Mosques can also be found on Tinian and Rota.
Over 400 Muslims are currently residing on the island, a Muslim leader from Garapan said.
He declined to be identified, but he said a total of 200 go to their weekly noon gathering held every Friday.
Muslims usually gather at the mosque once a week but they pray five times a day.
Since it is Ramadan, Muslims gather at their mosque every day after sunset to pray before breaking their fast.
“Only after the prayers can we eat our meal for the day,” the Muslim leader said.
The local Islamic community, he added, has a good relationship with the Christians on island.
