Ramadan ends with breaking of the fast Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Chaplain (Maj.) Kent Schmidt 60th Air Mobility Wing HC TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Many of us have been deployed to several countries where cultures and religious beliefs are different from our own, and are probably aware that Ramadan is an important event for adherents to Islam. You may not be aware, however, that Ramadan actually encompasses an entire month. This year, in the lunar calendar used by many Muslims, July 31 marked the beginning of the month of Ramadan. So, what is Ramadan? Ramadan is a "month of blessing" during which one billion Muslims worldwide, and eight million Muslims in North America devote themselves to prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad as he journeyed through the desert of modern day Saudi Arabia, near Mecca. Fasting (sawm) during daylight hours is one of the distinguishing elements of the celebration of Ramadan as well as being one of the five pillars of Islam along with shahada (confession of faith), salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving) and hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). Also, at many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Quran is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited. Ramadan ends with the breaking of the fast, the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2011 occurs Aug. 31. People dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children and enjoy visits with friends and family. Whether or not you are Muslim, or have friends who are, I hope this article has shed some light on a celebration of central importance to approximately 20 percent of the modern day world.