Before I forget&
     The fastest growing religion in the United States is Islam.  Adherents to Islam are called Muslims.  They, like us and the Jews, believe that there is but one God.  The Arabic word for God is Allah.  They have "99 beautiful names" for God, such as "the Merciful One," "the Compassionate," "the Almighty," "the First," and "the Last," which they often recite on their prayer beads, something like our Rosary.  The 100th name of God is unknown.  On a lighter, whimsical note, some Muslims joke that only the camel knows the one-hundredth name of God, which accounts for beast's haughty air.
     From November 17 to December 17, Muslims around the world will observe Ramadan, a month long fast.  As we do our pre-Christmas holiday parties in the work place and neighborhood, our Muslim neighbors are fasting, like we do during Lent.  If you have Muslim co-workers, you can expect a polite "no" response if they jeopardized the obligations of the fast.  The Muslims holy book, Qur'an (Koran), teaches that they are not to strain relationships with family members who do not share their beliefs.
     The Islamic calendar begins with the year 1 AH, the time of the Prophet's (Mohammed) flight to the city of Medena, escaping persecution from the enemies of Islam.  This date is known as the year of the Hijrah, the corresponding date to the Gregorian calendar is July 16, 622 A.D.  The small group that went to Medina began the spread of Islam that is now practiced throughout the Muslim world.
     Islam has Five Pillars of Faith.  The observance of the fast of Ramadan is one of the pillars of faith.  Because of the rotating cycle of their calendar, Ramadan may occur in winter or in summer.  This year, 2001, it began November 17.  No matter what the philosophical or ideological discrepancies found in the interpretation of the teaching of Islam, there is no compromise on the Five Pillars.
     During the fast, from dawn to sunset, food and drink and sexual intercourse with one's spouse are forbidden.  In the evening the fast is broken with dinner.  But before the meal, they perform the obligated sunset prayer, as prayer is one of the Pillars of Faith.  To prepare for prayer, they wash their hands three times.  Next the mouth is washed three times, then the nose, then the face.  The arms (up to the elbows) are washed three times, and then their wet hands move over their heads, backs of the neck, and behind the ears.  The last washing is the feet, also done three times.  All this washing is a form of purifying the body and heart before they appear before the Lord in prayer.
     The obligation of the worshippers during the time of fasting is the practice of self-restraint.  The purpose of fasting is for Allah.  Human beings spend most of their days seeking to satisfy the self and to please others.  Islam teaches that the fast of Ramadan is only for the pleasure of Allah.  Fasting teaches Muslims to value the good things Allah has provided for them in life.  Fasting also recalls the anguish of the poor and hungry.
     When a day of fasting has ended, it is customary for believers to gather at their places of worship and listen to the recitation of the Qur'an while performing the prescribed prayers.  Before a believer leaves a prayer service, he or she prays for the acceptance of their day of fasting and forgiveness of their sins.
     Fasting teaches Muslims to withdraw themselves from things that are offensive to God.  A person surrounded by food during Ramadan will not take it because God will give them strength.  Even in a hot summer month they will not drink water.  Fasting recharges the person for the journey of faith.  The prophet (Mohammed) stated, "If my community would realize what Ramadan really is, they would wish that the whole year would be just Ramadan."
     The more we learn about other religions of the world, hopefully we Roman Catholics will want to learn more about our faith, Scriptures, rituals, traditions, and liturgy.  We are bound to meet more Muslims in our little part of the world.  It's important to share our beliefs with them as they share their beliefs with us.  We who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, must reflect that name in our lives, in how we look at the world and in the way we treat others.
     God bless your Advent time!
   
     Fr. Bill