As holy month of Ramadan creeps into summer, US Muslims to stay up later, hold fasts longer

By David Grant, AP
Friday, August 21, 2009

Longer, hotter days strain Islamic holy month

DETROIT — American Muslims face an August Ramadan for the first time in 33 years, meaning the days of the holy month are going to be longer and hotter than many can remember.

Religious leaders see the seasonal shift as an opportunity for increased faithfulness, but worry participation by the young and some programming and social events could suffer. That’s because many activities will have to be pushed back later into the night after a later sunset.

They also say the fast could be more meaningful because it will be harder to complete.

The fast includes abstention from food, drink, smoking and sex during a time that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.

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