1 of 1 A man looks at the moon through a telescope next to the dome of the Mosque of the Rock in the AlAqsa Mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. — Photo: AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean A man looks at the moon through a telescope next to the dome of the Mosque of the Rock in the AlAqsa Mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. — Photo: AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean
The 9th month of the Islamic calendar, known as Ramadan, begins this week for the followers of Islam. During the holy time, Muslims pray and fast daily.
Learn more about Ramadan below:
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. For Muslims, it was this month when the first verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.
During this time, the holy book of Islam recommends believers to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex during the day. Practice is one of the five basic pillars that every Muslim must meet with physical and financial conditions.
- Shahada: the creed;
- salad: daily prayers;
- zkat: alms, charity;
- sat: Fasting during Ramadan;
- hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.
The fast must be observed between sunrise and sunset. So there are regions where daily fasting lasts less than in others.
For example, in 2023, believers living in Scotland will fast for 17 hours as the sun will be visible longer. Meanwhile, in Brazil, where winter is approaching, Muslims will abstain for 13 hours.
When is Ramadan?
The date of Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar which is based on lunar cycles and has months of 29 or 30 days. Therefore, the holy month begins every year between 10 and 12 days before the previous year in the Gregorian calendar (which is used as the standard in Brazil).
However, the exact beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This means that the beginning of the holy month can vary depending on the visibility of the moon and the location of the believers.
According to forecasts by the Saudi Press Agency, the crescent moon will be visible in the sky of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday night (22nd). Therefore, the first day of fasting for Muslims in this part of the world must be Thursday (23rd).
However, in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, it is still unclear whether the crescent moon will be visible. If not, the Muslims living in these countries must start fasting on Friday (24th).
Why fast in Ramadan?
The purpose of fasting is to draw believers closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of the less fortunate. Like fasting in other religious traditions, it is seen as a way to purify oneself physically and spiritually.
Therefore, followers of Islam must also avoid malicious behavior such as gossiping, swearing or fighting during this time.
Muslims often donate to charities and feed the hungry during Ramadan. Many spend more time in mosques and use their free time to recite the Koran.
Should all Muslims fast?
NO. As with the other fundamental practices of Islam, fasting should only be observed by Muslims who are physically, mentally and financially able.
Therefore, the following are excluded from fasting: children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant women, breastfeeding or menstruating women, as well as travelers which can also include athletes in competitions.
For some groups, fasting is expected to be compensated at another time of the year.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a threeday holiday called Eid alFitr. It is customary to celebrate the occasion with family and friends, visit mosques and exchange gifts.
This year, Eid alFitr, which also depends on the sighting of the moon, is scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd.