Ramadan
WHERE FASTING, FOOD, AND FAITH INTERSECT
BY CLARENCE W. THOMAS JR. AND MACON MAGAZINE STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DSTO MOORE
For the world's nearly two billion Muslims, Ramadan – the month-
long period of self-denial, prayer, good deeds, and self-reflection – serves as
a means by which their will is tested and greater discipline is instilled.
It's also where fasting, food, and faith intersect to create a better practitioner
of Islam, as their actions during this time inspire others to be better, too.
SACRIFICING TO GET CLOSER
TO THE CREATOR
Islam, which means "peace" in Arabic and is practiced by
Muslims – people that submit their will to do the will of God – is both
widely known and yet largely misunderstood. Quiet as it's kept, the
nearly two billion "believers," as they o en refer to themselves, are
not just located in the Arab world, but across the planet, including
Asia, Europe, and North America.
Like other religions, there are various prominent Islamic
organizations and branches. Though there are a great many nuances
between beliefs, one sacred celebration that unites Muslims is
Ramadan. According to the Islamic Networks Group, a peace-
building organization based in San Jose, California, that works
to foster a better understanding of Muslims, Ramadan is one
of the holiest months of the year. During this period, Muslims
commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran and fast from food
and drink during the sunlit hours, allowing them to draw closer to
God as they cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the
less fortunate.
92 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023
