Muslims in Norman and around the world began observing Ramadan Jan. 22, with the sighting of the new moon.

Ramadan is a month-long celebration consisting of fasting, five prayers a day and abstention from sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset.

Malik El-Amin, engineering sophomore, said that observing Ramadan represents a "willingness to sacrifice for what one believes in."

Mohammed Saleem, student representative for the Norman Islamic Center, said that while he "feels like the minority in America, fasting itself is not hard."

In addition to the five prayers each day, Muslims perform a special prayer after the final prayer.

The prayers are:

-before sunrise - Fajr;

-noon - Zuhr;

-afternoon - Asr;

-after sunset - Maghrib;

-night - Isha, and

-special prayer - Taraweeh.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith.

The five pillars consist of the belief in the oneness of God and that Mohammad was his prophet, prayer five times daily, participation in the fast of Ramadan, Zakat - practice of charity and Hajj - a pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are physically and financially capable.

During the time of Ramadan, Muslims also exchange greeting cards that feature some famous mosques and verses from the Koran.

Each night of Ramadan, the Masjid An-Nur Islamic Center in Norman, 1304 George Ave., holds dinners and families share the cooking responsibilities. Men and women eat separately.

There are certain rules that apply to the fast.

The fast can be broken by Muslims with a drink of water and dates.

Those exempt from fasting include young children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant women and travelers.

The month will end with the sighting of the new moon again.

The Eid follows Ramadan for three days and is a time of relaxation.

Muslims also exchange gifts and have a special feast during this time.

This story was written by Lei-Leni Parks