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Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. Fasting is one of the five pillars, the fundamental principles of Islam. 

Muslims do not eat or drink during this holy month from dawn to sunset.

They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior. 

Why is Ramadan Holy

Ramadan is the month during which the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. During Ramadan, Allah, the All-Merciful, forgives all the sins of the past for those who observe the holy month with prayer and fasting. 

When is Ramadan 2023?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. The exact beginning and ending times of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the Moon.

Specifically, Ramadan is said to begin at the first observance of the new Moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia (or on a date pre-determined by astronomical calculation).

Ramadan Start

Ramadan Start

Ramadan for the year 2023 starts on Thursday, March 23. lasting 30 days and ending at sundown on Friday, April 21.

Islamic holidays always begin at sundown and end at sundown the following day as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan Length in 2023

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims observe a month of fasting, prayer, giving, and self-evaluation. The month lasts 29-30 days, depending on the sightings of the crescent moon.

Laylat al-Qadr 2023

Lailat al-Qadr means the Night of Destiny. It honors the anniversary of the night when the Qur’an was revealed to humanity to lead it to guidance through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is also known as the Night of Power. 

For 2022 Lailat al-Qadr will be on Wednesday, April 27th. 

Eid al-Fitr Start 2023

Muslims celebrate the ending of Ramadan by celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

A one-to-three-day festival. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Eid al-Fitr combines festive meals with prayer, social gatherings, gift-giving, and helping of the less fortunate, and it is the only day where it is forbidden to fast.  

For 2022 Eid al-Fitr will be on Monday, May 2nd. 

Ramadan and The Lunar Calendar

Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar that’s based on the phases of the moon.

The lunar calendar falls short of the solar calendar by 11 days.

As a result, Ramadan doesn’t start on the same date each year and instead, over time, passes through all the seasons.

 

Ramadan and The Lunar Calendar

 

Fasting (Sawm)

Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Fasting during this holy month is an act of faith and worship in which Muslims seek a deeper relationship with Allah and all creation. 

Reasons for Ramadan Fasting

Fasting during Ramadan allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith, get closer to Allah and learn patience and compassion.

It’s about nourishing your soul rather than focusing on your physical body. From sunrise to sunset, fasting from food and drink brings one into solidarity with the needy poor who are in constant hunger and thirst. Zakat, almsgiving, is a concrete way of helping those in need.

This is the spirit of Ramadan.

 

Traditions of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of prayer and meditation, a time of growing closer to God and all humanity. It’s time to spend with your family and loved ones.

  • Get together with family and friends over Iftar.
  • Praying Tarawih prayers.
  • Doing good deeds. Helping the poor and the needy.
  • Pay Sadaqah.

Sadaqah in Ramadan

There are many types of donations (Sadaqah), and Muslims can choose many times to give out their donation during the year. However, many Muslims choose to pay their donations (Sadaqah) during the Holy month “Ramadan”, as they believe in their heart that the rewards that come as a result of this are multiplied.

Sadaqah in Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr

A joyful three-day festival called Eid al-Fitr. It begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky. It’s a joyous occasion, with Muslims celebrating the end of fasting and giving thanks to Allah.

Traditions of Eid al-Fitr

As a symbol of unity, Ramadan is a time when Muslims from all over the world come together to celebrate their faith.

Muslims enjoy these traditions during the festival days;

  • Attending prayers in the morning during the three days.
  • Visit distant family members, loved ones, and neighbors.
  • Giving presents to children.
  • Enjoy delicious meals and treats.
  • Enjoy celebrating a traditional feast with friends and family.
  • Donate to those in need.

 

Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr, also known as “Sadaqat al-Fitr”. It is an obligatory payment of “alms,” which all Muslims pay at the end of Ramadan, the holy fasting month. It is a mandatory charity for every Muslim, regardless of age or gender. 

 

Ramadan 2023 Timetable