Moon Sign

Saturday, October 13, was, for most of the Muslim world, the end of the Ramadan fast. "Most" refers to the means of ending the fast. While parts of the world have decided that October 13 was the most likely day for the month of Ramadan to end, many others needed a particular sign: the appearance of the crescent moon, the sign that begins and ends each Islamic month.
According to tradition, anyone who sees the crescent moon can call an end (or a beginning) to the fast. This goes from the poorest peasant to the grandest billionaire. Given the vagaries of weather, actually seeing the moon can be a challenge. Cloudy skies would mean that the fast would have to be extended for at least another day.
The Western world, especially New York with its boon of suspending alternate-side parking (a fond dream of all those who own cars, but not garage space), needs a firmer date, so there is a compromise based on the study of moon charts.
By now, surely, all Muslims have ended their fast, put up the sparkling lights that celebrate the Feast of Ramadan, and have ended the difficult fast. Their joy is multiplied because they have fasted faithfully in honor of the reception of the Holy Qur'an by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Islam follows a strict lunar calendar. So, next year, the ending of the fast will occur around September 1st or 2nd. Soon, the fast will once more occur during the longer days and hotter months of summer, and will be all-the-more challenging. Nonetheless, Muslims will keep the fast and enjoy the feast. It is their yearly response to Allah's gift of Qur'an.

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