Ramadan 2023 – If you don’t know the essence of Ramadan or why it is observed, you have missed out entirely. Islamic lunar calendar, and is considered one of the holiest months in the Islamic faith. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community, where Muslims worldwide observe fasting, prayer, and charitable acts.
The month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, and Muslims around the world welcome the month with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
Ramadan 2023
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all healthy and adult Muslims who are not traveling. It requires abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
When is Ramadan This Year?
Ramadan occurs on a different date each year due to lunar cycles.
Ramadan began on the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and will end on the evening of Friday, April 21, 2023.
If you want to wish someone a happy Ramadan, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan,” or “Ramadan Kareem,” which means “Generous Ramadan.”
How Does Fasting Work in Ramadan?
The fast begins before dawn with a pre-dawn meal known as Suhoor, and it ends at sunset with the breaking of the fast, known as Iftar. Muslims typically break their fast with dates and water, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Once the main meal is served, communal prayer known as Maghrib will commence.
Those in good health should only undertake to fast.
Certain Muslims are exempt:
- Those who are sick or ill and whose health will suffer as a result of fasting
- Children who have not reached puberty, though some begin to fast before this age.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Women who are menstruating
- Travelers
What is The Essence of Fasting in Islam?
Fasting is an important pillar of Islam and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The essence of fasting in Islam is to purify the soul, increase one’s taqwa (God-consciousness), and empathize with the poor and hungry.
During the month of Ramadan 2023, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink, it also involves refraining from negative thoughts and behaviors, such as lying, gossiping, and being impatient or angry.
Fasting is an act of worship that helps Muslims to become closer to Allah, practice self-discipline, and become more aware of their spiritual needs. It also serves as a reminder of the blessings and favors of Allah and the importance of gratitude.
Moreover, fasting in Islam is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but it also emphasizes the importance of charity and helping others. Muslims are encouraged to give to the poor during Ramadan and to be more generous and compassionate towards others.
Key Ramadan Dates
Here are some Ramadan Key dates;
Sawm
Sawm is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and the Arabic word for “fasting.” Although fasting occurs throughout the Islamic calendar, it is most closely associated with the month of Ramadan because of the month-long fast. Fasting is an important part of Ramadan, and all those of sound mind and body should fast during this holy month. Sawm occurs every day from sunrise to sunset, and our Ramadan timetable of daylight hours makes planning easier. Everyone must become acquainted with the fasting times, as anyone who fails to finish their Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) before the Fajr (call to prayer) will be disqualified from that day’s fast.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, which means “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and lasts up to three days, will not begin until the moon is visible, though it is expected to begin on Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April 2023. It is a time for large feasts, giving gifts to children, and spending time with those you love. Check with your local mosque for confirmation of dates and any community activities in your area.
What Happens at Eid
Many Muslims will gather at their mosques early in the morning for Eid prayers.
These are held immediately following the Fajr morning prayer in the Middle East. It begins at 07:00 a.m. in the United Kingdom.
It is customary to dress in new clothes, eat something sweet, such as a date, and recite a short prayer called a takbeer on the way to the mosque.
Zakat al-Fitr
All Muslims should make Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable contribution traditionally of a staple food item, before the end of Ramadan and the special Eid al-Fitr prayer. You can donate Zakat al-Fitr through Muslim Aid to help those less fortunate celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their friends and loved ones. We will distribute food items to those in need.
You can give Zakat al-Fitr at any time during the month, but many people prefer to give it on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which falls in the last ten days of Ramadan. The Night of Power is a unique event during which rewards are multiplied.
How Ramadan Dates Are Set
The Islamic calendar is based on a 12-month lunar calendar.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the year, and we celebrate Eid at the start of the tenth month, Shawwal.
Each month begins with the appearance of a new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days.
Previously, this was accomplished with the naked eye, but in recent years, telescopes and technology have been used.
Due to the fact that Muslim countries range from Indonesia to Morocco, some Muslims may see the new moon earlier than others.
“Traditionally, Makkah [Mecca in Saudi Arabia] was the center of moon sighting,” says Prof Muhammad Abdel Haleem of SOAS’ Centre of Islamic Studies (School of Oriental and African Studies).
“On different days, neighboring countries in the Middle East will claim to have seen the moon,” he says.
The lunar calendar is approximately 10 days shorter than the Western calendar, which is based on the sun’s cycle.
This means that Ramadan begins about 10 days earlier each year than the previous year, and it gets earlier and earlier in the year over time.
What’s Eid al-Adha?
Although Eid al-Fitr has grown in popularity in the United Kingdom, it is not the only Eid celebration in the Islamic calendar.
Eid al-Adha is observed in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This is the month when Muslims from all over the world make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Do During Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy month for Muslims. Muslims observe a strict daily fast from dawn to sunset during this month. They won’t take in anything during the day.
Do You Eat or Drink During Ramadan?
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan occurs at a slightly earlier time each year. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during the day, instead eating one meal (the’suhoor’ or’sehri’) just before dawn and another (the ‘iftar’) after sunset.
Can I cook for my boyfriend during Ramadan?
According to Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, “As a wife, you do not owe the duty of cooking for or serving food and drink to your husband who does not fast during the days of Ramadan, if he does so without any valid reason.
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