Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. Those fasting are expected to also refrain from bad deeds, such as gossiping, and to increase good deeds. The holy month of Ramadan is a very important time in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims all over the world take part. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent Moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. It commemorates the first revelation of Muhammed and, as such, observance of the month is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. When Is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year. This is because Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During this time, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, a command given to Muslims in the Quran itself, instructing believers to observe fasting as an act of devotion and self-discipline. Ramadan is that month for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations to focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting. When does Ramadan take place? Ramadan is a time to detach oneself from worldly pleasures and focus on one's inner self. It is seen as a way to physically and spiritually purify, refraining from habits such as smoking and caffeine etc. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink – not even a sip of water is allowed – from dawn to sunset before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic. Simply put, Ramadan will always arrive eleven days earlier than it did the preceding year. How Long Is Ramadan? The month of Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending upon the sighting of two new moons. The first one signals the start of Ramadan and the second one determines the end of the sacred month and the beginning of Shawwal. Ramadan is not uniformly observed globally — the start date can vary by country or even be different mosque to mosque in the same city for a variety of reasons. But it all starts with a sighting What is Ramadan all about? How would you explain it to a non-Muslim? It’s about a community of believers coming together for an exercise in improving one’s self through fasting, restraining from negative habits and increasing good behaviour. Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims worldwide. It involves fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Here are some fascinating facts about this holy month. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root "ramida" or "ar-ramad," meaning scorching heat or dryness. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, but the date changes each year. This is because Islam uses the lunar calendar (based on the cycles of the Moon), so it isn't a fixed date in the When Does Ramadan 2025 Start and End? Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon. Why is Ramadan Important in Islam? Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 3. “Ramadan is the Same Everywhere” Ramadan’s timing and practices can vary depending on location and culture. For example, in countries with long daylight hours, Muslims may fast for 18-20 hours a day, while in others, the fast may be shorter. 4. “Ramadan is Just for Muslims” 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. The Ramadan Questions and Answers Podcast Episode covers what to do in such situations, along with key fasting regulations, exemptions, and tips to help you observe Ramadan with confidence. What is Ramadan in Islam? The meaning of Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual reflection, devotion, and discipline for Muslims around the world. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran
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