Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar which follows the lunar cycle, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims, wherein it is first believed that the first verses of the Quran — Islam’s holy book — were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, sent down from heaven “as guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction and as a means of salvation.”
During the Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to fast, to give to charity, to show kindness and patience, and to strengthen their relationship with God. Extra emphasis is placed on reciting the Quran.
In 2024, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, with fasting starting on March 11, and predicted to end on April 9, known as Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, to be celebrated on April 10.
If you want to wish someone a good start of Ramadan, it is customary to say “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan). You can also say “Ramadan Kareem”(Generous Ramadan).
The five pillars of Islam, which lay the basis for how Muslims are required to live their lives, are fasting, profession of faith, prayer five times a day, zakat — a form of charity, and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, the Haji, once in their lifetime, this year expected around 16 to 20 June.
During Ramadan, fasting is meant to encourage spiritual reflection, requiring Muslims to have an early morning meal before dawn, known as suhoor or sehri. They are not supposed to eat or drink anything — including water — during the day, until after sunset, when they break their fast with an evening meal, called iftar or fitoor.
It is the time when Muslims reflect on their blessings, seek forgiveness for sins, and renew their commitment to faith.
During the hours of fasting, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior, devoting themselves instead to prayer and study of the Quran.
Ramadan teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus, encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat),instilling compassion for the food-insecure poor.
Exempt from fasting are children who have not reached puberty, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, diabetics, menstruating women, those who are ill or whose health could be affected by fasting, and those who are travelling.
Muslims continue to work during Ramadan, however, in some countries, such as Oman and Lebanon, although working hours are shortened.
The extent to which Ramadan observers are protected by religious accommodation varies by country.
According to a 2012 Pew Research Centre study, there was widespread Ramadan observance, with a median of 93 percent across the 39 countries and territories studied. Regions with high percentages of fasting among Muslims include Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Horn of Africa, and most of Sub-Saharan Africa. Percentages are lower in Central Asia and Southeast Europe.
Ramadan mubarak!
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