In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a holy month commemorating when Muhammad received the first of the revelations from the Angel Gabriel that make up the Quran. This year Ramadan began at the end of June and will continue until July 28. It is appalling that this period, traditionally set aside for prayer and reflection, has been turned on its head by Muslim extremists in Iraq, in Nigeria, in Gaza and beyond as they wage violence and destruction in the name of Islam.
Tradition has it that the first of Muhammad's revelations occurred toward the end of Ramadan, circa 610 in the Western calendar and likely the 27th night of the month, known as "the night of power" (al qadr), or destiny. Even before then, among the Arabs of the desert, Ramadan was a month set aside for peaceful retreat, with a truce among warring tribes. As Muhammad's renown as the messenger, or the Prophet, advanced, Ramadan became known as a sacred time. The significance of Ramadan as a month for prayers and meditation would be confirmed in the Quran's second chapter, known as Surah al Baqarah. The relevant verse declares, "Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint."
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