Ramadan celebrations started on Saturday for Luxembourg’s second religion.

The one month period of fasting between dawn and dusk starts for Muslims world-wide, and for Luxembourg’s 9000 Muslims (approximately), this starts on Saturday. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is celebrated in the ninth month, the holiest in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Before the 1960’s Muslims were relatively unheard of in Luxembourg, but as with other surrounding countries, they arrived and gradually the religion spread throughout the country.  Today there are currently five mosques in Luxembourg: Mamer (which is also home to the Islamic cultural centre), Niederkorn, Esch-sur-Alzette, Wiltz and Bonnevoie in Luxembourg City and it is estimated that about 9000 Muslims reside in the Grand-Duchy.  This means that Islam is now the second religion in Luxembourg, after Catholicism.

At News352 we wanted to pose a few basic questions about Ramadan as it stands today for a modern Muslim native in an Islamic country.  We spoke to Aurangzeb Khan, a 27 year old grammar school teacher in Karachi, Pakistan who was more than willing to answer our questions:

What is the meaning of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad during this month, and due to its sanctity, it is considered an appropriate month to fast.

How do you know when it actually starts?

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, coming after the month of Shaban. In many (but not all) parts of the Muslim world, the appearance of the moon towards the end of each month marks the beginning of a new one.

What is the meaning of Ramadan to Muslims?

Ramadan is a time when all Muslims are called upon to exercise self restraint and devote much time to the worship of Allah (God). For this, Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk, during which time they must abstain from consumption of food and drink, bad behaviour, bad language and spend their time exploring their religious teachings and meditate. One must be particularly careful not to say or do anything that might hurt anyone in any way. It is also a month of blessings: Muslims believe that during this month the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed, meaning peace and prosperity dominates in this particular month.

The act of fasting is intended to cultivate discipline and self control, which a Muslim is expected to follow not only in this month but throughout the year, in his dealings with others.

What is the dress etiquette during Ramadan?

A modest dressing style is expected of Muslims during this month. This, however does not mean that one dresses ordinarily. In some Muslim countries the arrival of Ramadan is celebrated by wearing new clothes. (not to be confused with Eid)

What is Iftar?

Iftar is the time when Muslims 'break' their fast at the end of the day, immediately followed by sunset prayers. After an entire day of abstinence, families come together to enjoy a well prepared meal and thank God for His blessings. The menu varies from culture to culture, but it is certainly well prepared and appetizing.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days. Eid is an Arabic word which literally means a time of happiness that returns again and again. Each year, Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month, followed by a day (or three days) of celebration, in which Muslims all over the world offer prayers, prepare special food, visit one another, give presents and simply have a good time. It is also a time for Muslims to thank the Divine for His blessings.

Describe a typical day during Ramadan

How Ramadan is observed varies from culture to culture. In Pakistan, a typical Ramadan day starts before the break of dawn when people have a small meal (also known as sehri), to provide sustenance during the day. as soon as the sun rises - marked by the morning call to prayers (azaan)- people finish their 'sehri' and offer prayers. During the day the people carry out their daily routine work, although this sometimes becomes difficult when people cannot consume any food or drink as they are fasting, and are required to work as well. Hence, office and school hours are usually reduced by an hour or two. As the day wears on, iftar time is dearly awaited. As soon as the sun sets, people break their fasts and enjoy a meal together with their families, followed by prayers. The cities are a quiet, sometimes deserted look as everyone is at home, praying or preparing for the next day. The day is ended with night prayers.

Thank you to Aurangzeb Khan