SUNRISE SIGNALS START OF RAMADAN.

Byline: - Holly Andres

Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, began today at sunrise.

``Ramadan is one of the most important times for Muslims,'' said Amir Hussain, assistant professor of religious studies at California State University, Northridge.

``It's a time to make yourself a better person. Muslims focus on spirituality during the other 11 months of the year, but, during Ramadan, there's even more of an intense focus on spiritual discipline and understanding how we act to others.''

Fasting, one of the main practices of Muslims during Ramadan, is known as the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.

The other fundamental practices of Islam include the faith statement of ``there is no God but God, and Mohammed is the messenger,'' praying five times a day, giving to charity and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Muslims go to work and school during the month of Ramadan. Adult Muslims, and many children, do not eat or drink during the daylight hours of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar-based calendar, may fall at different times from year to year. Depending on the sighting of the next new moon, Ramadan will last either 29 or 30 days. The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, Arabic for celebration, marks the end of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, said Hussain, it is traditional to eat breakfast before sunrise and to break each day's fast with water and dates followed by a festive meal.

``What's important for me, as I get older, is to consider that Ramadan is not just about the fast. It's about having a sense of connection with the poor and the hungry, and there are so many in L.A.,'' Hussain said. ``For North American Muslims, Ramadan is about the problem of hunger and social justice where we live.