Ramadan Kareem war2ru,
Brief explanation of Ramadan,
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Healthy adult Muslims fast in Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during Ramadan.
Muslims also believe that the Quran was revealed in Ramadan.
During the holy month, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar.
It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar.
Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is a special food they must cook, or eating iftar with the extended family.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan begins today May 17, 2018.
Since Ramadan is part of a lunar calendar, its date annually changes on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims tend to wait for the new month's moon to appear before they announce the first day of Ramadan. However, they can still estimate the day beforehand.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. There are also verses in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to fast for the full day. Muslims fast as an act of worship and for a chance to get closer to God. And as a way to become more compassionate to those in need.
Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits.
When does Ramadan end?
Based on the astronomical charts, Ramadan ends on the evening of June 14.
The first day of the next month, Shawwal, is expected to be on June 15, once again subject to confirmation after an official sighting of the new moon.
The first day of the next Islamic month Shawwal is also the date of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
