Preparing for Ramadan

Photo By Vaughn Larson | A food service worker from Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Seaside Galley prepares a special Friday meal, Aug. 22, 2008, similar to what enemy combatants detained by the JTF will be served during Ramadan. It is traditional for those celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to observe fasting from sunrise to sundown. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.  

09.04.2008

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Vaughn Larson 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

By Vaughn Larson
Joint Task Force Guantanamo

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, began Sept. 1, 2008, according to the Islamic Society of North America. The Islamic lunar calendar is 11 or 12 days shorter than the standard Gregorian calendar, which means that Ramadan observations begin earlier each succeeding year. Last year, for example, Ramadan began Sept. 13. There is some variance on the correct method to determine when Ramadan begins – some favor the sighting of a new moon. But, according to the Quran, any method is allowed.

Zak, the Joint Task Force Guantanamo cultural adviser, said the beginning of Ramadan will be definitively known one day in advance.

Ramadan is marked by fasting – one of the five pillars of Islam – and devotion to Allah. Fasting, or "sawm," is practiced from dawn until sunset, and includes abstaining not only from food, but drink, smoking and sex. Behavior such as anger, envy, greed, lust, gossip and character attacks are also to be avoided during Ramadan. Observers partake of a pre-fast meal called a suhoor, as well as an evening meal called iftar. The month of fasting ends with a celebration called Eid-al-Fitr.

The JTF invests significant time and effort to provide detainees during Ramadan with special meals and schedules, according to Zak. Not all detainees observe Ramadan, and receive three daily meals on the same schedule as before. But detainees who fast receive the suhoor before dawn and the iftar after sundown. Zak emphasized that the iftar meal is a double portion, so detainees receive the same amount of food during Ramadan despite going from three meals to two. Honey and dates are preferred to break the fast, followed by soup as the first course of the evening meal.

The JTF Guard Force modifies its schedule to allow for the different meal and prayer times and shifts recreation times to the evening during Ramadan. They are busiest around the evening meal, delivering the dates and honey, being sensitive of the fourth prayer, delivering the evening meal and being sensitive of the taraweeh - all within a few hours. Guards also watch their own actions - eating, drinking, chewing gum or using smokeless tobacco can be seen as provocative acts during Ramadan. Detainees may be more easily offended and may be irritable, tired or restless during the month. Guards watch detainees for signs of heat sickness during the day.

"We put the guards through a lot," Zak said with pride. "We go out of our way not offend the detainees, to let them freely practice their religion. We plan for Ramadan three to four months out."

Army Col. Bruce Vargo, Joint Detention Group commander, said he didn't think Ramadan had a significant effect on the guard force.

"We work 24 hours a day anyway," he said. "If anything, it's a positive thing because as we rotate the guard forces, they learn something new. We teach them about Ramadan, about Islamic practices."

The iftar follows the fourth prayer of the day for Muslims. A special prayer called Taraweeh usually follows the fifth prayer during Ramadan. The intent is to recite the entire Quran over the course of the nightly Taraweeh.

Zak said the JTF provides detainees with Ramadan cards to send home to family members, noting that the detainees take the cards. He added that detainees are aware of the extra efforts by JTF staff, but may not acknowledge it.

"All we care about is doing the right thing," Zak said. "We will continue to do the right thing – we're not going to wait for a thank you."

Vargo said the importance of the holiday to detainees makes it important to JTF.

"It would be unacceptable not to do everything we can, within security arrangements, to help them celebrate Ramadan," he explained.

Zak noted that fasting is also practiced in Judaism and Christianity, adding that it is considered beneficial physically and spiritually. In Islam, fasting teaches patience and sympathy as well as thankfulness. Zak also said that Ramadan prepares Muslims for the coming year.

The observation celebrates the angel Gabriel's revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Mohammed. That particular event, known as Laylat al-Qadr – the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny – will be observed Sept. 27 this year and generally marks the final 10 days of Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that Allah grants any request made during this time. According to Zak, detainee behavior may change slightly during the final 10 days.

"When holidays approach, that tends to change your behavior," he explained.

• Date Taken: 09.04.2008
• Date Posted: 09.04.2008 16:27
• Story ID: 23211