Virginia Islamic Center Hosts Special Programs in Ramadan
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tasnim) – The Fawakih Institute, an Islamic center providing Arabic language courses and Quranic instruction, holds nightly events in the US state of Virginia during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, serving Iftar (breaking of fast) meal for Muslims and holding religious speeches.
Muslims converge on the Islamic center every evening to break their fast, spend some time together, and listen to religious sermons.
Established in 2008, Fawakih provides Arabic instruction for more direct access to the Quran and other Islamic texts, according to its website.
The institute is now offering courses in Virginia’s cities of Herndon, Reston, and Falls Church.
It also runs the Fawakih Summer Program, a residential language program in Herndon, designed for students motivated to learn the language of the Quran, Arabic. The program is open to students of all backgrounds and faiths.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the most special of all occasions. It is a celebration of the descent of the Word of God, the Quran, from Heaven to the earth.
Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. Abstaining from food and drink, and from other bodily pleasures, is a crucial element of the observation. To partake in the blessings of Ramadan, able-bodied women and men, also girls and boys who have reached the age of religious observance, are required to fast for the duration of this month.
At the end of each fasting day, Muslims break their fast with an Iftar meal.
Ramadan is more than abstinence from food and drink during the hours of daylight. It is a time for contemplation, devotion and remembrance of God, especially through the reading or recitation of the Quran.
Tending to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, giving to the poor -especially at the end of the month- is also important.
Intensive self-reflection and increased God-consciousness during the month of Ramadan is meant to subdue and suppress familiar misdeeds, such as backbiting, holding grudges and telling lies.
