Community Corner

Ramadan Prayers in Burke

Peace Islamic Center hosts Isha and Taraweeh prayers in Burke.

Peace Islamic Center is holding Isha and Taraweeh prayers in Burke for the month of Ramadan, which begins Friday.

The center is renting space at at 10125 Lake Haven Court. Prayers will be held there each evening, from Friday through Saturday, Aug. 18.

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting. "During Ramadan, Muslims wake up before dawn for breakfast and abstain from food, water and sex during the day before breaking their fasts with group dinners at night," reports the Huffington Post. "The days are punctuated by prayers, and Muslims try to read the Quran, their holy book, at least once in its entirety before the month's end. Mosques will also often organize community service activities."

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Ramadan overlaps with the Summer Olympics in 2012. About 3,500 Muslim athletes are expected to compete in London, and the fasting of food and water required during Ramadan poses a challenge for them. "[Some] may look to ancient Islamic tenets that allow exemptions — for travelers, the sick and others — out of concern that not eating or drinking, even water, throughout the day could put them at a competitive disadvantage," reported The New York Times.

For additional information about Ramadan and the Islamic faith, see:

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