The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is drawing to a close and local Muslims are slated to end their fasting tomorrow or Monday.

The month of fasting during the daylight hours began this year on November 17 after the citing of the new moon the night before.

Not unlike the Catholics and Protestants in the Christian religion, Islam is highly ritualistic with a long-standing tradition of exactly what must be done and how to do it.

Zakia Shakir of the Bermuda Masjid explained that a special prayer called Taraweeh is held on the Friday night before fasting begins and then before the sun rises on the Saturday morning Suhoor - a simple meal - is eaten and the first daily prayer, Fajr, is done at 5.30 a.m.

In Ramadan no food or beverage of any kind is consumed once the sun has risen but every night once the sun has set, eating and drinking can resume.

While the practice may sound a bit harsh it does allow several exceptions. Those who are very ill, children who have not reached puberty, pregnant women, and the feeble and elderly are all exempt. Those who take regular medication are advised to take it before sunrise and if possible refrain during fasting hours. Mrs. Shakir pointed out that the observance also allows for those who may become sick during the month or have to travel extensively - to break the fast and make up the missed days sometime during the year.

In Muslim countries people do not have to work during the month, but in Bermuda, Muslims have been able to adapt and fast successfully while maintaining their regular employment routines and commitments.

"People that have been doing it for a number of years are find it less challenging than those who are just starting out," said Mrs. Shakir. "There are days when it is more difficult for individuals because of the stresses they may be encountering in the workplace."

But Mrs. Shakir pointed out that the Ramadan observance can be especially beneficial at these times as the individual is more aware of their duty to be as good as they can be. She said the lunchtime prayer of Dhuhr often helps those in this predicament to refocus and better manage the difficult work situation.

During Ramadan the Muslim holy book, the Koran, is divided into 30 sections - one for each day of the observance. Muslims are expected to do their daily readings and the five daily prayers. This practice helps keep them focused on the goodness of life and helps make them more aware of the suffering of others.

"It brings us closer to world situations and reminds us there are those in the world who are suffering and do not have access to food. We share at this time and are more mindful of our behaviour and mannerisms.

"We know that we are fasting for Allah to bring us closer to Allah and we have to fight within ourselves to keep strong and stick to it. At this time we also try to be more tolerant of difficulties," Mrs. Shakir said.

"You know within yourself that this is what God has asked of you and although it is difficult at first, there is a sense of satisfaction when it is over."

And breaking the daily fast is a beautiful ritual that brings Moslem families and friends closer together.

Once the sun has set people usually gather at home or at the Masjid and break fast by drinking water and eating dates. These foods are the same ones used by Muslims the world over to break fast.

"Ramadan is a time of sharing," said Mrs. Shakir, "We eat with family and friends and for those who cannot fast, like the elderly, they take food and provisions to those in need.

"Children are taught that it is a time of doing good deeds and they are encouraged to refrain from excesses, like playing loud music or other activities that may impede on those who are fasting.

"During Ramadan you should be as good as you can be and then after try and sustain it," she said.

The month long observance of Ramadan usually leaves Muslims with a renewed spirit and a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Holy Koran. This is the refreshed state many local Muslims will be in on Monday - well done.