What and when is Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month of intense spiritual rejuvenation which includes fasting, worship, service, communal gathering, and spiritual development. Islam follows the lunar calendar. The ninth month may therefore fall on different dates each year. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon over Mecca which is expected to occur on March 22. The month is expected to conclude on April 21, with Eid al Fitr to be celebrated April 21 through April 22. As Ramadan is marked by the lunar sighting, dates may change. 

Fasting and Prayer

Fasting is an important part of Ramadan, believed to draw followers closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Traditionally, fasting means abstaining from food or drink (including water) from dawn until dusk. However, many people are exempt from fasting or choose not to fast for health and personal reasons.

Many Musims will wake before sunrise to eat a modest breakfast called Suhoor/suhur, followed by prayer. The evenings are an important time of gathering for prayer and to break fast together for a meal known as Iftar.  In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer). Throughout the month, many observers read the entire Quran one chapter at a time.

Campus Resources and Celebrations

Muslim Student Association

The MSA student group is coordinating Iftars and several community gatherings in the month of Ramadan, for more information you can join the MSA listserv.

Dining

The Muslim Student Association and Dining Conferences and Campus Events are coordinating nightly Iftar meals for prayer and dinner, 6-8 in Commons room 226. Suhoor/Suhur pre-dawn meals will be available for students to take back to their residence the evening before in Commons. 

Prayer

A Prayer Room with mats will be available in Ladd Library in Viewing Room 1 of the Audio/Visual area; please see attendant for a key. The Muslim Prayer Room is also always available at 96 Campus Avenue on the ground floor. 

Ramadan Banquet:

The Muslim Student Association is coordinating a Ramadan Banquet in Mays Center at 7 p.m. on April 8th.

Local Mosques and Community Events

During the semester, students gather at 12:20 p.m. every Friday behind Chu Hall and travel together to the Lewiston/Auburn Islamic Center for prayer. 

Requests for Flexibility

Where possible we should try to accommodate our Muslim community members who request more time for prayer and reflection, and who may experience lower levels of energy and focus during the late afternoon, especially toward the end of Ramadan.

Here are some things to consider:

• Be mindful of meeting and event times. For those fasting, energy and focus may dip toward the end of the day. Evening meetings may conflict with Iftar and evening prayer.
• Eating together is an important part of our culture at Bates, but consider offering a different way to connect during the day where food is not central.
• Students needing flexibility for coursework should work directly with their professor. For additional support, students and faculty may contact the multifaith chaplains and/or their Student Support Advisors.
• Staff can seek additional guidance regarding requests for religious accommodations and/or related Paid Time Off (PTO) eligibility, by contacting Human Resources at hrdept@bates.edu
• There may be some cultural and personal differences in how the month is observed. It is important not to make assumptions about who might be observing Ramadan, or how they are choosing to observe Ramadan.

Can I wish someone a Happy Ramadan?

There are two traditional greetings to wish someone well that is observing Ramadan, “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” which roughly translate to “have a generous Ramadan” and “blessed Ramadan,” respectively. At the conclusion of Ramadan, during Eid al Fitr, the greeting changes to “Eid Mabarak.”