RAMADAN
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims will not eat or drink during the hours of daylight. This is called fasting. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age of 14. Ramadan remembers the month of the Qur’an (the Muslim Holy Book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed is a night known as Lailut ul-Qadr (The Night of Power).
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. In 2023 in the UK, Ramandan will begin in the evening of Evening of Wed, Mar 22, 2023 - Evening of Fri, Apr 21, 2023. Ramadan starts when the new Moon first appears in the night sky. Full moon marks the middle of Ramadan. As the Moon wanes to the other side, Ramadan finishes.
How Is Ramadan Celebrated
Most Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Fasting allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. It is thought to teach self discipline and reminds them of the suffering of the poor. However, children, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are ill or travelling don't have to fast. During Ramandan, it is common to have one meal (known as Suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as Iftar) directly after sunset. Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. It is a time for prayer and good deeds. They will try and spend time with family and friends and help people in need.
Many Muslims will attempt to read the whole of the Qur’an at least once during Ramadan. They will also attend special services in Mosques during which the Qur’an is read.
Eid ul-Fitr
The end of Ramandan is marked by a big celebration called Eid ul-Fitr (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting but thanking Allah for the strength he gave them throughout the previous month. Mosques hold special services and a special meal is eaten during the day (the first daytime meal for a month) During Eid ul-fitr, Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children and spend time with family and friends. Muslims will also give money to charity at Eid.