ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The beginning of Ramadan reflects the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is known as one of the most sacred times for the Islamic community. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ramadan is known as one of the most sacred times for the Islamic community

  • The fasting period involves no food, drinks or sexual relations from before dawn until sunset

  • Naser sees more people in the Islamic community at the Islamic Center of Asheville during Ramadan

“We know the beginning of this month by the crescent,” Naser, the Islamic Center of Asheville’s Imam, reflects as he anticipates a crescent moon. “For this night, we will be watching the crescent. If we see the crescent tonight, that means tomorrow will be the first night of Ramadan.”

The holy month of Ramadan brings new opportunities that he awaits for himself and his community at the mosque — an opportunity to fast and change a lifestyle.

“If there are some bad actions towards you or against you from anyone, you have to control yourself, and you have to teach them by saying ‘I am fasting. I have to keep my rewards. I have to keep my actions and my morals in the highest rank in the grade. I have to treat you kindly with tolerance, with good feelings,’” Naser said.

The fasting period involves no food, drinks or sexual relations from before dawn until sunset. Naser says there are a few exceptions for fasting, such as medical conditions. 

Muslims around the world have been preparing. This can be in the form of meals and prayers. 

“All Muslims around the world, they received Ramadan before Ramadan,” Naser said. 

Naser included that he sees more people in the Islamic center during Ramadan.

“We invite each other to our homes to break fast, after sunset we pray together,” Naser said. “This is the whole year, but in Ramadan, it’s a whole other level.”