What is Ramadan and how did it evolve into one of the most sacred times on the Islamic calendar? Learn about the history of Ramadan, from its origins during the life of the prophet Muhammad to its modern observance. The Origin of Ramadan. The answer to “when did Ramadan begin?” aligns with the timeline of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) revelations. Those who believe the revelations occurred over two decades suggest that Sawm and thus Ramadan, became formalised around 622 A.D. Discover the significance of Ramadan, the holy month revered by Muslims as the time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Delve into its rich virtues, historical practices, and spiritual benefits that distinguish it from other months. Ramadan is observed by Muslims during the entire lunar month by the same name. The month of religious observances consists of fasting and extra prayers. Some important historical events during this month are generally believed to include: 10 Ramadan, death of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the wife of Muhammad. [5] 15 Ramadan, birth of Hasan ibn Ali. [6] Ramadan beginning dates between Gregorian years 1938 and 2038; including an error on the ante-penultimate line. This table is based on an unspecified variant of the Islamic calendar and that, according to local practices, there can be differences of one (or even two) days. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The term Ramadan literally means scorching in Arabic. It was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as "the Night of Power. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and heightened devotion. But what is the history behind this sacred month? How did it come to be such a cornerstone of Islamic practice? Ramadan, Islam’s holy month of fasting, has been observed and celebrated by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries. In the seventh century, Prophet Muhammad stated that Islam is built upon five pillars and that fasting in Ramadan was one of them. For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday 10th March 2024 with the sighting of the crescent moon and will end on Tuesday, 9 April 2024. By linking religious observation to the marking of time in the year, Ramadan serves to anchor sacred practices in the ordinary lives of Muslims worldwide. The Hijri year is usually ten days shorter than the Gregorian year. There are a few different versions, such as the Solar Hijri calendar used in Iran (which is a solar calendar) and the Tabular Hijri calendar (which is mathematically derived, much like how Jewish calendar was changed in the past). Ramadan is a time for seeking forgiveness and repentance. Fasting and sincere worship during this month can lead to the expiation of past sins. Hadith Reference: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim) 9. Since there are 12 lunar months superimposed over 12 solar months, Ramadan “moves back” about 11 days per solar year. In 2025, the first day of fasting is expected to be March 1, though given Ramadan in Qatar is a time for spiritual growth, and one of the central components of this is prayer. Muslims in Qatar engage in Salat al-Tarawih, the special prayers offered after the usual * The dates above were calculated using the Umm al-Qura calendar used in Saudi Arabia and most countries of the Gulf. To get the exact date when Start of Ramadan is observed, as an official non-working public holiday, in a specific country, region or state, please refer to our listing of the official public holidays for that country. “Allah’s mercy flows in Ramadan, washing away the past and renewing the soul.” “The Quran speaks to those who listen with their hearts, especially in the sacred nights of Ramadan.” “Every fast taken with sincerity is a step closer to paradise.” رمضان أول له جوّه، ورمضان الحين له أجوائه.. شلون نعيش أحلى ما في الاثنين؟ تابعونا في #رمضان Ramadan in the past had its own atmosphere, and When Ramadan is over, pay attention to how your habits fare in the following months. The idea is that Ramadan should be transformative; we should come out as better Muslims than we were at the beginning. To keep up the good habits, it is recommended to fast some days during the following month of Shawwal. Ramadan Quotes From the Hadith: Ramadan Wishes. Fasting as a Shield: “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.” — [Sahih Muslim] Forgiveness of Sins: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” — [Sahih al-Bukhari] By Faten Omar. KUWAIT: The holy month of Ramadan has undergone some changes in recent years compared to the way it was practiced in the past. Researcher Muhammad Yaqoub Al-Bakr explained the preparations by people in Kuwait in the past for the month of Ramadan.
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