Ramadan Q&A: Imam Mubasher Ahmad

Mabasher Ahmad is the Imam, or priest, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Milpitas.

Milpitas Patch: How do Muslims observe Ramadan?

Imam Mabasher Ahmad: The month of Ramadan is especially for our spiritual enhancement. We don't just fast in the month of Ramadan. The Qu'ran, which is our holy scripture, was revealed to our prophet named Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the month of Ramadan. Therefore, reciting, reading and discussing the teachings of the Qur'an is enhanced in this month.  Moreover, we have to enhance our spirituality. So, extra prayers are made in the month of Ramadan, especially at the mosque.

Patch: What is a typical day like during the month of Ramadan?

Ahmad: We wake up at a particular time about one and a half hours before the sun rises. And we eat what is known as our breakfast. We call it "breakfast", but we're not breaking our fast, we're starting the fast.  

And then, as soon as the call of the prayer is made, one hour before sunrise, that is the end of eating. From that point, up until the sun sets, it could be 18 hours, it could be 14 hours, it depends on the length of the day in particular seasons. [The lunar year is ten days shorter than the solar year, so, Ramadan, based on the lunar calendar, shifts ten days every year.] We don't eat, we don't drink.

Patch: What happens in the evening after sundown?

Ahmad: Breaking the fast at the sunset, the location is not restricted. We don't have to come in the mosque to break the fast. Mostly, we do it in a family environment, in the home. If a family decides to go to a restaurant, they wait for that minute, because we know exactly what time the sun will set. Then we'll start eating in the name of God.

We come to the mosque every evening. Through there are prayers five times a day, in addition to that, taraveh prayers are extra prayers that we do in congregation in the mosque. It is held in the evening, in the late evening, after the final fifth prayer. Actually, it is a substitute for a prayer which is encouraged to be done after midnight. You go to sleep, you wake up, and then you pray to God in the complete silence. But as it may not be possible for everyone, we tell them to come to the mosque and do it as a congregation. It is done in almost every mosque, and we do it here also. 

Patch: The in Milpitas has a special evening in which non-Muslims are invited. Tell us about that.

Ahmad: Yes. That is for the outsiders. We invite other people to come and join us. Iftar is the word for breaking the fast in the evening. And we do it every day. But we select one day of the month to invite neighbors and those who may not be even Muslims to come and join us and see what we do. It brings the community and different religious groups together.

Patch: Ramadan ends this year on August 29. What happens then?

Ahmad: When the 30 days of fasting are over, there's a big celebration. And that is very important celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. We have an extra prayer in the daytime, about 10 a.m., when the whole community will get together in the mosque. And then we'll really celebrate and we'll have food and gifts exchange. That day we visit each other's homes. 

It is one of two major celebrations during the year for us, similar to Christmas time for Christians. That's our Christmas.

Patch: Donation and charity are an important part of the Muslim religion. What happens during Ramadan?

Ahmad: In the month of Ramadan, zakat is paid by most Muslims. It is like two-and-a-half percent of your savings. So, along with other charitable acts, it really increases in the month of Ramadan. 

If you would be interested in attending the community event on August 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the , please RSVP by emailing the editor.