Explore this visual guide, which provides answers to 10 prevalent inquiries about Ramadan to enhance your perception of its pertinence and traditions.
1. When is Ramadan this year?
Ramadan’s advent is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon and, this year, commenced on March 1 in much of the Middle East, Australia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Americas, and on March 2 in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and South Africa.
As the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan’s onset shifts approximately 10-12 days earlier annually, completing a full cyclical return through all seasons over roughly 33 years.
Ramadan is anticipated to conclude on March 30 or 31, ushering in the Islamic month of Shawwal.
2. Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Ramadan, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a form of worship and spiritual purification. Fasting during Ramadan is intended to enhance one’s “taqwa,” or their mindfulness of God, achieve self-restraint, and cultivate empathetic understanding of the less afflicted.
3. What are the rules of fasting?
A fasting individual must forgo food and drink from dawn until sunset and must also abstain from smoking, sexual activities, and should avoid anger and indecorous conduct.
4. Who is required to fast?
All adult Muslims are obligated to fast. However, exceptions include those with health conditions, women during menstrual periods, as well as those traveling, diabetic individuals, and children under the age of puberty. Those who cannot fast are expected to provide for the needy or make up for missed days if able.
5. How do Muslims break their fast during Ramadan?
Traditionally, Muslims break their fast at sunset with dates and water, following the example of Prophet Muhammad. The pre-dawn meal, or “suhoor” and the sunset meal, or “iftar,” vary culturally with each region contributing its unique culinary traditions. Dates offer health benefits, replenishing energy and providing necessary nutrients after a day of fasting.
6. What is the connection between Ramadan and the Quran?
The Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan on Mount Hira, with the exact date said to be within the last ten odd-numbered nights. The holy book contains 30 sections, 114 chapters, 6,236 verses, and 77,432 words and provides instructions on fasting, including exemptions and compensatory actions.
7. What happens during the last 10 days of Ramadan?
The nights in the last ten days of Ramadan are considered sacred, particularly the “Laylat al-Qadr” or “Night of Decree.” Muslims engage in extra prayers, Quran recitation, and divine remembrance, seeking the blessedness of this night.
8. What does the word Ramadan mean?
Derived from the Arabic word “Ar-Ramad,” meaning intense heat, or from “Ramdha,” referring to sun-scorched sand, Ramadan symbolizes the burning away of sins through fasting, sanctity, and commitment.
9. What are some Ramadan traditions?
Ramadan reunites families and friends for Iftar, fostering gratitude and solidarity. Homes and streets are decorated with “fanoos,” traditional lanterns, to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the month.
10. When is Eid al-Fitr?
Following Ramadan is the three-day Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” during which Muslims pray, give charity, enjoy communal meals, visit loved ones, and exchange well-wishes and gifts. Nations that began Ramadan on March 1 will observe Eid on March 30 or 31, while those that started on March 2 will likely celebrate Eid on March 31 or April 1, dependent on the lunar sighting.
