KENTWOOD, Mich. — March 10 marked the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and is the month that Muslims believe the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was given to the prophet Muhammad.
For the next month, Imam Kip Curnutt at At-Tawheed Islamic Center in Kentwood explains that it is a time for increased acts of worship, including fasting.
"We fast every day," said Imam Kip. "From the time that the first light of the sun starts to be seen on the horizon until sunset, so it's just a little bit over 12 hours this time of year."
He says that they fast from all food or drink during that time, including water. There are exceptions for people who need to eat and drink for medical reasons, pregnant mothers or who are nursing, and those who may be traveling.
After sundown, families and friends gather for Iftar, or the breaking of fast where they will also give special prayers.
"The ruling of fasting during the month of Ramadan is in the Quran itself, and it says that 'this fasting has been prescribed for you.'" said Imam Kip, adding that the tradition of fasting helps one to become more conscious of God in their life. "You train yourself to leave those things, then outside of the month of Ramadan, it becomes even easier for you to leave things that we should never be doing, like, you know, having jealousy in our hearts, or speaking ill of other people."
In West Michigan, Imam Kip also says many people may find themselves as the only person fasting in their class, workplace, or group of friends, but people look forward to gathering together at the end of the day to break their fast as a community.
"You'll see tons of people all coming together, and we're waiting for that moment on the clock when it's time to break our fast and then everybody is eating and joyful," said Imam Kip.
At Super Green Market in Kentwood, customers have been coming in to prepare for their family meals. Those shopping say the season brings generosity and prayers for peace.
"We all break our fast at the same time, and before we break it we make supplication to God, a nice prayer not just for yourself, and for everybody surrounding you and for the world in general," said Mohammad Shamali, a board member of the Palestinian Culture Group of West Michigan.
This year in particular, prayers are being offered for those who are also observing Ramadan through war and hardship.
"The hearts of people are very heavy because of the situation in Gaza. We have lots of our brothers and sisters in Islam who are fasting, but at the same time, you know, removed from their homes in a state of fear," said Imam Kip.
"When you see kids, and women, innocent people getting killed for no reason, they did not commit anything, this breaks your heart, and so we always pray for them and and we keep them in our thoughts and in prayer," said Shamali. "May the good Lord Allah, God, make it easy on everybody and bring peace to the world."
Ramadan will end on April 10 with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.