c. 1999 Religion News Service

(Dale Hanson Bourke is publisher of Religion News Service.)

UNDATED _ Just as fruitcakes dot the landscape and eggnog flows without ceasing; just as holiday parties are in full roar and decorated cookies appear at every occasion; just as most of us start to moan about extra pounds and fewer dollars, our Muslim brothers and sisters are beginning the monthlong fast known as Ramadan.

The timing of this annual observance is particularly cruel this year. From sunup to sundown, Dec. 9 until Jan. 8, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and other sensual pleasures. Because Ramadan is observed on a lunar cycle, the timing of the observance changes annually.

This year Muslims will be thinking of sacrifice and self-restraint as Christians are overindulging and shopping ’til they drop.

There are more American Muslims than ever before. By some counts, there are now more Muslims than Jews in the United States. By almost anyone’s guess, there are more Muslims than all the Presbyterians and Episcopalians in this country combined.

Chances are greater than ever that you encounter a Muslim at work or in your daily comings and goings. They are no longer mostly people who live in exotic places like Timbuktu. They live in Topeka and Tallahassee, in Green Bay and Gross Pointe.

But the problem is that most of us know so little about Islam and the people who practice it that we are more suspicious of this fast-growing faith than we are fascinated by its rich culture and familiar tenets. We imagine that extremism is part of its fabric rather than the stuff of its fringes.

The truth is that the vast majority of Muslims in the world, and particularly in the United States, are moderate in their practice of faith and hold many of the same beliefs we would characterize as Judeo-Christian. The Koran has many passages that closely parallel verses in the Bible.

There are secular Muslims, just as there are secular Christians and Jews. Some of them will not fast during Ramadan, although much like Christians who only attend church on Christmas, some will observe Ramadan even though they do not regularly attend a mosque.

When Muslims clash with Christians, it is often over such issues as modesty and materialism. In schools, Muslim children sometimes have more in common with fundamentalist Christians who dress modestly and abstain from sex and alcohol than children who are not religious and practice a less restrained lifestyle.

So how can we learn more about our growing Muslim population? The Council on American-Islamic Relations offers many resources for all ages. You can find information about them on their website: http://www.cair-net.org.

With their help here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Ramadan.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Fasting helps Muslims experience a renewed focus on spirituality through reflection and self-purification. It also is meant to increase compassion for those in need. Fasting also serves to increase self-discipline and self-restraint.

Do all Muslims fast?

All practicing Muslims other than young children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or nursing women, and those travelling long distances are expected to fast.

Is it difficult to fast?

It is most difficult for people who live in hot climates or when Ramadan occurs during the longer days of summer. It is difficult for Muslims in America to fast because of so many temptations and offers of food from non-Muslim friends and co-workers.

How can we help Muslims who are fasting?

Employers can help by allowing more flexible schedules so that workers can go home at sundown or have less physically challenging work during their fast. It is also important to be considerate and avoid scheduling lunch meetings or daytime parties.

What customs are included in Ramadan?

At the end of each day the fast is traditionally broken with water and dates. Then a family meal is served which often has special foods associated with Ramadan. Friends and relatives visit during the evening hours and it is traditional to read through the entire Koran during Ramadan.

How does Ramadan end?

Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr (“Festival of Fast-Breaking”) which begins with special morning prayers on the day following the end of the monthlong fast. During this time, Muslims greet each other with a phrase that means,”May God accept your deeds”or simply,”Blessed Eid.” What can a non-Muslim do?

Because Eid ul-Fitr would be similar to Christmas for Christians or Yom Kippur for Jews, giving a card or a small token such as baked goods would be appropriate and very much appreciated by a Muslim friend or acquaintance.

Islam is reported to be the fastest growing religion in this country and around the world. But even if it wasn’t, it is a religion and culture intertwined with Christianity and Judaism and an important part of our understanding. Non-Muslims can learn a great deal from our Muslim coworkers and friends. All we have to do is ask and listen with an open mind.

DEA END BOURKE