President Barack Obama issued his annual message for Ramadan, reminding Americans to maintain respect for all Americans.
“As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family. I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights.”
Observance of Ramadan begins late Sunday, early Monday around the world.
Muslims observe the month by fasting during the day and spending time with prayer and the Quran.
According to Citizen, in the United States, Ramadan is centered around the mosque versus at the house in countries with larger Muslim populations.
“The Ramadan experience is more collective,” said Jibril Hough, spokesman for the Islamic Center of Charlotte, North Carolina. “We are a religious minority in America and … especially toward the end of Ramadan, we bring food to the masjid (mosque), it becomes more like a family reunion. A lot of times you see brothers and sisters that you haven’t seen all year.”
Ramadan is not considered a holiday, but is considered a holy month.
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