Area Muslims Observe Ramadan

Area Muslims began observing their most important religious this week: Ramadan.

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, a holiday that encompasses the ninth month of  the Islamic calendar. It falls on a different day each year based on cycles of the lunar calendar.

Muslims traditionally observe the holiday by fasting from dawn to sunset, without food or water, a symbol for ridding oneself of thoughts, actions and emotions that go against the religion's principles. Families gather before and after the daylight hours to share meals together.

For more on Ramadan, read this story from The Huffington Post.

Celebrating locally? Here are two gatherings we found in the area in the course of the next month:

• The American Turkish Friendship Association will host Ramadan Tent and Turkish cultural exhibitions at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 19, 20 at 3928 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax.
• The Ritz Carlton will also run several promotions to mark the month of Ramadan.