It's Ramadan in the Muslim communities -

[pinto]

Ramadan 2013 began in the evening of Monday, July 8
and ends in the evening of Wednesday, August 7

More about Ramadan in general:

Ramadan 2013: Facts, History, Dates, Greeting And Rules Of The Muslim Fast

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/07/ramadan-2013-facts_n_3529135.html

(UK) Prime Minister's video message for Ramadan 2013:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-ministers-video-message-for-ramadan-2013

[hrmjustin]

1. A Blessed Ramadan to all who observe!

[hollysmom]

2. happy ramadan?

[jaysunb]

3. Ramadan Kareem ! n/t

[cbayer]

4. I read an article today about how hard it is when Ramadam is in July,

at least in the northern hemisphere.

They fast between the two hours before sunrise and sunset.

Where we are that would be from about 4:30 AM until after 8:00 PM. It would be even longer further north.

But it is about sacrifice and self control.

Anyway, best wishes to all who observe this season.

[pinto]

5. I respect those that hold Ramadan, and appreciate exemptions for the ill, children, travelers, etc.

It's got to be a challenge. Also love the custom, come evening meal time, of visiting and eating together with family and friends. Interesting twist on "break fast".

[cbayer]

7. It's got to be tough, particularly if one is engaged in any kind of manual labor.

Have you ever been to one of the evening meals?

[pinto]

11. No. Have heard second hand accounts. Sounds festive with a spread of local and traditional dishes.

(aside) It would be interesting to note to those who view Muslims solely in a "post 9/11" framework that Thomas Jefferson withheld a dinner with the Ambassador from Tunis 'till sunset since it was Ramadan.

Mellimelli was in Washington during Ramadan, a month-long period in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. To accommodate his guest's religious obligation, Jefferson's invitation to the President's House on December 9 changed the time of dinner from the usual "half after three" to "precisely at sunset."

http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/tunisian-envoy

[cbayer]

12. Ah, Jefferson. Despite his many faults, he remains one of my heroes.

Better half was in Morocco for Ramadan a long, long time ago and went to some of these evening feasts. I think I would really enjoy this experience.

[muxin]

6. Thanks for the post and all the wishes

In Indonesia we fast from 4.30 am to 6.00 pm, it's a bit less "challenging" this year because it's raining everyday - a cold weather is always great when fasting
What I like the most is we always see the celebration of tolerance here, restaurants including those owned by non muslims usually cover their windows with curtains during the day and almost nobody eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadhan.
I noticed my non muslim friends usually "hiding" when they want to eat lunch even though they don't really have to do that just because they want to respect their friends who are fasting.

[cbayer]

8. Thanks for that!

While I have visited Muslim countries, I have never been during Ramadan.

I love your description of how people show respect for each other.

Do you get up before 4:30 in order to eat before the fast begins?

[muxin]

9. We get up at 3 am to eat

It's called "Sahur", usually there are a bunch of youngsters going around the neighborhood at that hour waking people up with singing and traditional percussion, but usually they keep it down when passing a non muslim home.

[cbayer]

10. Remarkable. Would love to experience this some time.

[pinto]

13. You're welcome and thanks for your input. Isn't gift of iftar for others a part of Ramadan, too?

As part of the focus on charity during the month? (on edit) And all the best to you and yours.

[muxin]

14. Yes we usually exchange foods with neighbors

and we also bring food to the mosque for iftar. Not only in mosques usually there are lots of people making posts on the street side to give free food and drinks for those who are still on the road when it's time to break the fast.