Ramadan: The Holy Month of the Islamic Calendar

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holiest month of fasting in Islam. It begins and stops with the appearance of a crescent moon. The beginning of the Islamic month signifies Ramadan or Ramzan. The word “Ramadan” is derived from the Arabic suffix “ramad,” which means “to be scorchingly dry or deeply heated by the sun.” Good works, according to Muslims, are celebrated more generously during this Holy month than during any other time of the year. Let’s take a closer look at Ramadan.

Ramadan 2024 Date

The Ramadan start date for 2024 is expected to begin on Sunday, 10 March, 2024 following the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Lasting for 30 days, Ramadan will end on Tuesday, 9 April, 2024 with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, 10 April, 2024

Ramadan History: 30 Days of Fasting

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and Muslims all over the world celebrate it. Fasting, worship, contemplation, and communion are all part of this holy month. Ramadan was once a member of the calendar of the ancient Arabs.

Ramadan’s origins can be traced back to Prophet Muhammad, who was visited by an angel in the year 610 A.D. on Laylat-al-Qadr night, who revealed information about the Holy Quran, the holiest Islamic text. These revelations were compiled into the Holy Quran, a 114-chapter book that Muslims claim includes the exact words of God. Laylat-al-Qadr refers to one of the five odd-numbered nights that occur during Ramadan’s final ten days. The angel was thought to be God’s or Allah’s messenger, and people were told to fast for the month of Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammad is regarded by the Muslim faith as the last Prophet chosen by God to serve as a messenger to teach humanity the importance of love and brotherhood. “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the Devils are chained,” the Prophet has quoted.

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Benefits from Ramadan

For over a thousand years, Muslims all over the world have effectively observed fasts regarded as divine healing during the month of Ramadan. Here are a few health effects that will help people go a month without eating or drinking. Along with regular prayer, faith declarations, charity, people also go for Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Fasting has many advantages, including improved mental health, spiritual concentration, and increased brain capacity.

• Ramadan improves mental concentration by allowing the body to develop more brain cells, which improves brain activity.
• People who fast these days eat a lot of dates, which are thought to be an excellent source of calories. Dates are rich in potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B, both of which help with digestion during Ramadan. Dates are also high in vitamins, nutrients, sugar, and fibre, among other things.
• There is also a noticeable decrease in the amount of Cortisol hormone released by the adrenal gland, lowering stress levels.
• Abstinence from vices like smoking, drinking, and consuming sugary snacks steadily acclimates the body to these temptations until they are eliminated.
• People who practice Ramadan have a lower lipid profile, which means they have less cholesterol in their blood and are less likely to develop coronary problems, heart attacks, or angina attacks.
• Keeping fast during Ramadan can detox the body. It provides an opportunity to detoxify or burn toxic contaminants stored in the digestive system’s fat deposits.
• The month frequently aids in the maintenance of a regular eating routine. The stomach shrinks as the amount of food eaten decreases during fasting, causing you to eat less and feel whole. The appetite stays good, but it’s under balance.

Why Is Ramadan Celebrated?

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims who practice fasting, introspection, and repentance. It is commemorated as the month when Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran, Muslims’ holy book. Muslims are expected to make greater attempts to obey Prophet Muhammad’s sermons and adhere to Islamic teachings.

The annual observance of Ramadan, which lasts for twenty-nine to thirty days from one observation of the crescent moon to the next, is considered one of Islam’s Five Pillars. During Ramadan, it is said that the ‘Thawab,’ or divine blessings of fasting, are compounded.

How Fasting Is Performed During Ramadan?

Fasting from sunrise to sunset is Fard (obligatory) for all adults except terminally ill patients, elderly, diabetic persons, menstruating or pregnant females; everybody is supposed to fast during the month of Ramadan.

During this period, people abstain from eating any kind of food, drinking water, beverages, juices, or any other liquids; they do not engage in any sexual activity. It involves taking medicine without a drop of water in your mouth. In addition, they begin reciting verses from the Quran and refrain from engaging in immoral speech and behaviour.

Fasting is said to cleanse the soul by removing unhealthy impurities and redirecting one’s heart and mind from earthly practices. Anyone who is fasting is expected to drink as much water as possible first thing in the morning to quench their hunger for the day. Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, although the exact date varies from year to year.

To commemorate the end of Ramadan, a three-day festival known as Eid-al-Fitr is held. It is also known as the festival of breaking the fast. It all starts as you see the moon for the first time in the morning.

Ramadan Food

During Ramadan, there are two primary meals served. The first is called Suhoor and the second is called Iftar.

• Suhoor is eaten before sunrise and is hearty and nutritious enough to last you during the day, while Iftar is served after sunset. When the sun rises, Suhoor ends, and Fajr, or morning prayers, begins, which is followed by Iftar.
• Before the Iftar meal, many Muslims eat dates. People are allowed to eat and drink all night long before the next Suhoor. Iftar in Saudi Arabia includes popular desserts such as Luqaimat, Baklava, and Knafeh.

Fasting Rules To Follow In Ramadan

Ramadan requires Muslims to fast for the whole month. The following are some Sacred Law fasting rules:

• Fasting entails not letting any food or drink into the body cavity.
• There should be no engagement in sexual activities.
• Avoiding unethical behaviours such as backbiting, ill will against others, sinful conduct, and so on.
• Encourage kindness and Zakat to show respect for those who are less fortunate (compulsory charity).
• Compulsory fasting will teach people to give up their share of food to support those who are hungry. This helps us know and comprehend the plight of starving and disadvantaged people who are unable to eat even one meal a day.

Ramadan Facts

Here are a few Ramadan things you may not know:

• Each year, the start of Ramadan will shift by 11 or 12 days.
• When fasting is not necessary, it is common in Egypt to turn back the clocks to shorten the days and lengthen the nights.
• The economy of Muslim countries suffers as a result of the increase in inflation during Ramadan.
• Sadaqua (voluntary donation) and Zakat (religious tax) are two terms for charitable giving during Ramadan ( mandatory giving).
• Shahada (profession of faith), Sawm (fasting), Haj (pilgrimage), Zakat (alms), Salat (daily five times prayer facing the Holy Mecca, Shalada) are the Five Pillars of Islam ( belief in one True God).
• While fasting during Ramadan is helpful, water restrictions can harm kidney function.

Observance of Ramadan

Studies indicate wide observance of Ramadan in thirty-nine countries with an average of 93 per cent. Southeast and South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa are regions with high rates of observance of Ramadan. In Central Asia and South-Eastern Europe, percentages are smaller.

Wrapping Up

Ramadan is a time to reflect on one’s own needs as well as those of others. On this auspicious day, get a Premium Kundli report to be aware of what’s going to come ahead.

Have A Blessed and Wonderful Ramadan!