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Article: Fulfilling Ramadan means fast during day.(A)(Nation)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- October 31, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Larry Witham
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins Nov. 16 or 17, reminds believers of their faith but is never immune from thorny cultural and political issues.
The month of daylight abstinence from food, water and sex is one of the "five pillars" of Islam, a defining feature of Muslim societies and a quiet challenge to believers living in the West.
"These days, the fasting is less than 12 hours," said Sabir Rahman, president of the Muslim Community Center of Silver Spring.
"Exemption from fasting cannot be given by anyone, only by the Koran, which exempts the ill and travelers," he said.
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