齋戒月開始囉！Happy or Enjoy Ramadan!

2008年3月買了票，走一趟中國西安的清真寺之旅！

這是入口的一個大門，完全沒有咱們先入為主的葱形的圓頂......卻是具中國風味！

During the visit to The Great Mosque of Xi'an, 2008,  I wondered whether it is the correct place, because of the Chinese style buildings surrounded. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is completely Chinese in its construction and architectural style, except for some Arabic lettering and decorations, for the mosque has neither domes nor traditional-style minarets.

在咱們觀念中，中國建築式風格怎么會是清真式呢，有沒有走錯地方？

一直到看到這兩位戴著帽子的少年，才較確定是來到了清真寺，在馬來西亞大家都稱為回教堂！噢，這可是回教堂，中國的回教徒（穆斯林）人口約有四千多萬，比整個馬來西亞的人口還多呢！

　　西安清真大寺，據說創建於唐代。唐初，伊斯蘭教隨著阿拉伯商人經“絲綢之路”來到唐都長安，他們在西市、東市經商貿易，陸續在長安城定居。

　　現在的清真大寺基本上是保留了明代永樂年間的氣勢和規模。樓台亭殿，布局嚴謹；雕梁畫棟、肅穆幽雅，它成為西安最大的一座伊斯蘭教寺院。

　　清真大寺，歷經數朝。1200多年來，寄托著穆斯林民族的希望和心願。至今它依然是西安數萬穆斯林虔誠禮拜、聯絡感情、文化交流、慶祝節日的聖殿。

The Great Mosque is the oldest and one of the most renowned mosques in the country.It was first built in the Tang Dynasty (reign of Emperor Xuanzong, 685-762), and renovated in later periods (especially during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty). It remains a popular tourist site of Xi'an, and is still used by Chinese Muslims (mainly the Hui people) today as a place of worship. 

Bulan Ramadan是齋戒月，就是穆斯林用這個月進行白天禁食的活動，其意義：在齋月裡從日出到日落，不吃不喝、禁房事、忌道人長短、作姦犯科，當然相信齋月帶來健康的人認為，人體內臟中負荷最重的是腸胃，齋戒的作用就是在使人於每年一定的期限內，把日常飲食時間與次序加以調整變換，減少進食次數以減少腸胃負擔，而近十個小時不喝水，能使人的肌肉緊縮而精壯有力，不致肥胖臃腫，再加上禮拜動作，全身血液循環通暢，神清氣爽，是一種保健良方，而且非得要一個月的時間，才能顯現效果。穆斯相信藉著齌戒月，特別追求對伊斯蘭的信仰，好讓他們有好行為去幫助那些窮人及有需要的人；他們也相信在這個月的禱告會蒙神垂聽及應允。

Ramadan is a time of reflecting , believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised awareness of closeness to God.

The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity.(Adapt from Wikipedia)