Ramadan begins April 2; local woman shares Ramadan customs

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Starting April 2, Ramadan will begin for those who practice Islam, including here in Bowling Green.

Ramadan includes a month of fasting from around 4 a.m. until after 7 p.m. past sunset. The fasting includes no food or water.

One local woman shared why fasting is a part of the celebration.

“God asked us to fast, kind of forces us to fast, especially in Ramadan, for us to feel how the poor feels,” said Malak Salman.

Praying takes place five times a day, including the early morning around 4 a.m. or 5 a.m., noon, afternoon, evening and night, which is normally a part of Islam even outside of Ramadan.

In addition, Salman reminded that due to fasting and praying late into the night, Muslim students in the community particularly may be feeling extra tired.

Ramadan will last through May 2.