Ramadan 2023: Date, History And Significance Of The Holy Month
The holy month of Ramadan is the sacred period for Muslims all over the world. Following the Islamic calendar, devotees fast from dawn to sunset followed by a feast every night for about a month. It all ends with the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr.
Ramadan 2023 Date
Muslims follow the Islamic calendar which is based on the different phases of the moon. In 2023, Ramadan will begin on March 22 when the moon is expected to be seen over Mecca.
Devotees will fast until April 21 and celebrate Eid-al-Fitr on April 22 or 23. People offer gifts to each other and kids while spending time with their loved ones.
Ramadan is the month in which the holy book of Islam, the Quran was revealed. Muslims believe that it brought guidance for humankind, a defined criterion for right and wrong and offered a clear path for humans to attain salvation.
It is believed that the scrolls of Abraham, Torah, Psalms, Gospel and Quran were handed down on the first, sixth, twelfth, thirteenth (or eighteenth in some sources) and twenty-fourth Ramadans respectively.
Around 610 A.D., Muhammad (PBUH) meditated in the cave of Hira, located near Mecca. He was visited by the angel Jibril who revealed the first words of the Quran. Around this time, people in Arabia used to worship different gods, however, when Muhammad (PBUH) spread the word of the Quran, he spread the word of Allah who was referred to as the one and only God.
Ramadan means ‘burning heat’. The holy month was given this name as an ode to the hot time when the holy book was first revealed to humankind. It is also observed to honour the fourth pillar of Islam called Sawm.
Teachings of Ramadan include:
- Cleanse bodies
- Be compassionate and grateful
- Demonstrate restraint and self-control
- Strengthen the bond with Allah
- A reminder of the good luck one has over others
Beginning
The crescent moon or Hilal is observed on the first day of Ramadan. It is how Muslims estimate the beginning of the holy month.
Night Of Destiny
Qadr Night or the Night of Destiny is the holiest night of the year which is observed during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Eid
Eid al-Fitr is the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the next month in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated after sighting the crescent moon.
Religious Practices During Ramadan
Fasting
Many Muslims fast for the entire month of Ramadan. It is the time when they indulge in spiritual reflection and teach about the preachings of Islam to the younger generation. They have to abstain from physical relations and swear words.
Suhoor
The pre-fasting meal before dawn is called suhoor. Devotees observing the fast often get up early and eat light food before beginning their fast.
Iftar
Iftar is the meal with which Muslims break their fast every day after sunset. Traditionally, they first eat three dates (benefits of eating dates) followed by the meal served.
Charity
Charity or zakat is a way of giving back to society and the underprivileged. It is an obligatory practice of Islam that teaches people to be thankful for what they have and to lend a helping hand to people in need.
Nightly Prayers & Recitation Of The Quran
Although not compulsory, Tarawih is a late-night prayer that devotees perform. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to complete the reading of the Quran.
We wish you a safe and blessed Ramadan.
