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As Ramadan approaches summer, fasting gets longer

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Thursday is the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for Muslims around the world to engage in acts of prayer, reflection and charity. And, it is also a time of fasting.

Between dawn and dusk, devout, healthy Muslims are not supposed to eat, drink, or smoke anything and they cannot engage in sexual activities. These daylight restrictions can represent a particular sacrifice for Muslims in Minnesota because of our northern latitude.

Since Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, it shifts about 10 days earlier each year. A few years ago, the beginning of the holy month coincided with Thanksgiving. In 2008, it will start around Labor Day. But, at our northern latitude there is a significant differnece in the amount of daylight between the two holidays.

MPR's Steven John spoke with Fedwa Wazwaz, a board member of the Islamic Resource Group. She lives in Brooklyn Park. Wazwaz says an earlier Ramadan means later meals, and that is tough on families.