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Muslim holy month begins

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by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service


10/15/2004 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, began Oct. 15

The observance, with its emphasis on inner reflection, fasting and prayer, takes on special significance to U.S. servicemembers deployed to Southwest Asia, and also to an estimated 7,000 Muslims in the U.S. armed forces.

During Ramadan, Muslims eat a small meal each morning before dawn and then abstain from food, drinks, cigarettes and other physical pleasures until just after sunset. Evenings are marked by Iftar, the breaking of the daily fast, and often prayer in a local mosque.

The exact start and end dates for Ramadan vary, based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon. Once Ramadan starts, the observation will continue for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar calendar, said Louay M. Safi, executive director of the Islamic Society of North America Leadership Development Center.

Military commanders and chaplains in Southwest Asia are urging their servicemembers to be sensitive to the significance of Ramadan, while gearing up for the possibility of increased violence against them during the observance. Last year, Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, then commander of coalition forces in Iraq, said attacks on civilians and Iraqi security forces more than doubled during Ramadan. General Sanchez said that in the 32 days after the start of Ramadan, the enemy conducted 74 attacks against civilian or Iraqi government officials and 84 attacks against Iraqi security forces.

This year, coalition leaders are hopeful for peace but are "planning for and expecting the possibility of increased attacks," said Brig. Gen. Erv Lessel, deputy operations director for Multinational Force Iraq. Coalition forces increased security before the start of Ramadan. "We are hoping that we do not see an increase in the level of attacks, but we will be ready if necessary," General Lessel said.

In Afghanistan, Army Chaplain (Capt.) Tom Yates, assigned to Task Force Victory, advised servicemembers to use sensitivity in dealing with Afghans during patrols in local cities or when interacting with local workers and residents. This includes not eating or drinking in front of Muslims who are fasting.

"Don't stop in the city square and … have lunch," he said.

Chaplain Yates stressed the importance of showing respect for those observing Ramadan.

"We're carrying on operations in an intensely religious nation," he said. Remaining culturally sensitive, he said, "is important because it demonstrates the inclusiveness of the human family, and it acknowledges that we have all the individual personal religious preferences which we need to respect."




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