Today's Zaman, your gateway to Turkish daily news :: Ramadan

Muslims celebrate feast ending daily Ramadan fasts

AP WITH TODAY'S ZAMAN — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

A look at how Muslims around the world began celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a three-day feast that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Producers warn against low-quality sweets on eve of Eid

SERKAN KARA — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

As Ramadan is about to give way to Eid al-Fitr, a three-day religious holiday marking the end of the holy month, confectionary producers have warned people to be extra cautious about low-quality sweets and candies that are produced under unhealthy and unhygienic conditions.

Russian Muslim intent on making it to every terawih prayer

AHMET YEŞIL — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Seray Kalashnikov, a Russian who converted to Islam around two-and-a-half years ago, says he has not missed a single terawih prayer (an extra night prayer specific to Ramadan) since becoming a Muslim.

Turkish institute holds iftar in Rome to promote dialogue

TODAY'S ZAMAN WITH WIRES — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

A Turkish institute organized a fast-breaking dinner (iftar) in Rome on Thursday, gathering representatives from different religions.

Eid al-Fitr marks end of Ramadan

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Eid al-Fitr, a three-day religious holiday, marks the end of the month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while fitr means “to break the fast.”

Hundreds enjoy day’s last meal in Eyüp Sultan

SERKAN KARA — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

İstanbul's Eyüp Sultan Mosque, home to the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad, has always been a central attraction for Muslims, drawing hundreds of visitors daily during the holy month of Ramadan.

Charity in the Quran: an esoteric approach

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Recently, I have been reading the Quranic tafsir (exegesis) by Khajah Abdullah Ansari (A.D. 1006-1088), the distinguished descendent of the noble Abu Ayyub al-Ansari and a prominent scholar and Sufi who wrote a voluminous Persian-language commentary entitled “Kashf ul-Asrar,” an esoteric reading of the sacred Word of Allah. This work is regarded as a masterpiece of Persian literature and religious scholarship.

Prophet advised believers to continue voluntary fasts

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The Prophet Muhammad observed fasting on special days and recommended that his followers do the same.

Shawwal fasts result in abundant reward

TODAY'S ZAMAN — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

As the end of Ramadan draws nearer, Muslim believers are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a three-day religious holiday following the holy month. Scholars advise believers to continue fasting for six days during the month of Shawwal to bedeck the rest of the year with the bounties and blessings of Ramadan.

A Canadian connection to Turkey

VIRGINIA LOWE — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Hailing originally from Edmonton, Canada, Jennifer Gaudet is an expatriate who came to İstanbul from Thailand over four years ago. Having been an English-language teacher for seven years, she decided to switch gears in a big way when she moved to Turkey after several short vacations.

Ramadan fast begins after sighting crescent moon

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The hilal is the thin crescent moon that is visible after a new moon. Muslims look for the hilal to determine the beginning and end of Islamic months.

Children observe Ramadan in their own special way

SALİHA CÜVELEK / ZEYNEP KAÇMAZ — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The holy month is a period during which adults fast all day and devote time to bettering themselves as individuals and atoning for their sins.

Romania's biggest iftar arranged by Tuna Foundation

NECDET ÇELİK — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

An iftar (fast-breaking dinner) with a record number of attendees took place last week in Bucharest.

Kimse Yok Mu aid reaches India

OSMAN ÜNALAN — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The first shipment of aid from the Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) foundation has reached India, easing the suffering of poverty-stricken people in the region.

Last 10 days of Ramadan hold special status

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Though all the days of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last 10 days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.

Sent down on a Night of Power: A brief history of the Quran

JAMES KIGER — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The month of Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quran. It is traditionally regarded as a time for increased recitation of and reflection on the Muslim holy book. Tonight Muslims in Turkey will mark Kadir Gecesi, the Night of Power, the anniversary of the night on which the revelation of the Quran first began.

Night of power marks first received revelations

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Laylat ul-Qadr, which can be translated as the night of power, night of decree or night of measures, marks the anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first received revelations from God through the Archangel Gabriel.

Ramadan tent becomes symbol of social peace in Moscow

FARUK AKKAN / YAŞAR NİYAZBAYEV — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

A Ramadan tent recently set up in the Russian capital, which is home to various ethnic groups and followers of different religions, has become the symbol of social peace there.

A vacation during Ramadan

VIRGINIA LOWE — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Karen R. grew up as an American “army brat,” which means that she spent her life living wherever the government sent her dad. When it came time for her to make her own choices, she became an education counselor for the army and traveled around the world. She recently retired from public service after finally finishing her doctorate, and last year she took some private time to spend a vacation here in İstanbul, part of which fell during the first five days of Ramadan.

Common misconceptions about fasting

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Leading scholars of Islam say the following acts are permissible for those fasting and do not nullify one's fast: