What is Ramadan’s history and significance?
As conflicts and political turmoil continue to grip nations worldwide, Muslims eagerly await the sighting of the crescent moon marking the commencement of Ramadan – the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Ramadan, also spelled as Ramazan or Ramzan, holds immense significance for Muslims globally. It is a period of healing, fostering communal harmony, spiritual reflection, and charitable acts while observing fasting from dawn till dusk, engaging in intense recitations of the holy Quran, and practicing compassion through acts of kindness.
During this sacred month, fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for those who are sick, traveling, menstruating, pregnant, diabetic, or elderly.
What is the meaning of Ramadan?
Derived from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” meaning ‘scorching heat,’ Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahada (profession of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and Hajj (pilgrimage). The pre-dawn meal before fasting, known as sehri or suhoor, and the evening meal to break the fast, called iftar, are integral aspects of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan this year?
This year, Ramadan is anticipated to begin on either Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12, 2024, depending on the moon sighting in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Typically, the crescent moon of Ramadan is first sighted in certain regions, followed by others a day later.
How is Ramadan celebrated?
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in prayers to Allah and observe fasts as acts of devotion. They forsake worldly pleasures and indulgences, focusing instead on prayer, self-improvement, and acts of charity.
The day begins with the predawn meal of suhoor, comprising foods such as dates, fruits, and milk. From sunrise to sunset, fasting Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sinful behavior. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often starting with dates or sweet treats, followed by a hearty meal featuring a variety of dishes.
Evening prayers, known as taraweeh, involve recitations from the Quran. The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, observed towards the end of Ramadan, commemorates the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is a time of intense prayer and reflection.
The culmination of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid-ul-Fitr, marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of generosity. Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, heralds the ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ signifying the joyous conclusion of this sacred period.