Ramadan unfolds! By the Fatimi calendar, today (Sunday) is the first of Ramadan 1432 and the first fast, though by other methods Ramadan begins either tomorrow (Monday) or the day after (Tuesday). I am observing the first fast myself, with four hours left to go, and other muslims are waking up right now and beginning the pre-dawn meal.

This year, I intend to blog daily about my Ramadan observances, not just fasting but also Qur’an and prayer, as well as other acts of piety and introspection. I will also have a number of guest posts from other muslims, family and friends. I’m calling this series, “the longest days, the shortest month” after the first guest post I will put here tonight, after I break my first fast with my first Iftaar – the phrase was coined by my brother in law and I think perfectly captures the inherent duality of Ramadan as it exacts a material price upon the fasting muslim even as it bestows a spiritual rewward.

And, Ramadan Kareem to all – muslim and non-muslim alike!