Alhamdulillah! The blessed month of Ramadan is almost here! For Muslims across the globe, the holy month of Ramadan is a sacred time for worshipping Allah (SWT).
It is an opportunity for new beginnings. An opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection, increased devotion, and celebration of the mercy and love of Allah (SWT).
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
During this sacred period, healthy adult Muslims are required to fast each day from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, sexual relations, displeasing behaviours and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and giving charity are also encouraged during the Holy Month.
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.
As such, the time the month takes place each year varies. Generally, it roughly moves back 10 or 11 days from its previous date in the more commonly used Gregorian calendar.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, March 11, 2024, and end on the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Why is Fasting Important During Ramadan?
As revealed in the Quran, Allah (SWT) has made it obligatory for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan.
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful (of Allah). (Fast a) prescribed number of days…Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast.”
Al-Baqarah, 2:183-185
In these verses, Allah (SWT) establishes fasting during Ramadan as an important act of worship. He also emphasises the sacredness of Ramadan as the month the Quran was revealed and gifted to humanity.
The first day of fasting is expected to start on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
More Ramadan Acts: Giving Zakat and Other Donations
Ramadan is filled with many opportunities to earn rewards through good deeds and providing charity is one of them. From fulfilling Zakat to giving more Sadaqah, paying Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) or repaying missed fasts through Fidya (Fidyah) or Kaffarah, there are many ways to give during this month.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself also gave more charity during this blessed month than at any other time. As narrated by Ibn Abbas:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan…giving charity like the blowing wind.”
Sahih Muslim
Important Dates in Ramadan
The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr
In Ramadan, Allah (SWT)’s great love and mercy towards us have made it so that every good deed we do in this blessed month is multiplied by many.
This is especially true in the last 10 nights of the blessed month, which are full of even greater rewards and blessings. This is because it contains the most blessed of nights: Laylatul Qadr.
In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says this about Laylatul Qadr:
“What will make you realise what the Night of Power is like? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command; There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.”
Qur’an (97:1-5)
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-fitr marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. The end of the Holy month is expected on the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
This year Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon for Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Calendar.
