Ramadan

It'll last until April 9th. There are roughly 20,000 Muslims in Memphis who will be fasting from sunup until sundown. Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth pillar of the Islamic faith. The fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Fasting is also an exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened by the suffering of the poor. Ramadan is thought to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. When extremist terrorism in the Gulf Wars were in full swing, it was hard for non-Muslims to appreciate Ramadan. I felt we were making progress until October 7th happened and the Gaza War began. The tragedies and horror we now endure make little sense, but I am certain we share together the joy that we all call Memphis home. If you don't know much about Ramadan, now is the time to learn. And I can assure you that the food at the end of the fast is fantastic, as is the friendship my Muslim friends offer to me. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.