Muslims Celebrate End of Ramadan

December 27, 2000

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On December 27, 2000 The Houston Chronicle reported on the closing of the month of Ramadan, a Muslim holy month, whose celebration dates back hundreds of years. Explains the director of a Houston Islamic society, "this is the month in which our holy book, Koran, was supposed to have been revealed to our prophet, Mohammed. It has quite much importance to us." Its celebration includes fasting from dawn until dusk and extra praying: "The people keep awake - some of them praying the whole night." Fasting and praying are two of the five basic tenets of Islam. The other three are "believing in Allah and his prophet...paying alms for the needy and making a pilgrimage to Mecca once in one's lifetime." On Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan, fasting is forbidden.