Date and timing of the festival
The ninth month is Ramadan, which comes after Shaban and before Shawwal. The holiest places in Islam in Saudi Arabia, which compiles a calendar of upcoming events but warns that the dates are subject to change closer to the occasion. According to this forecast, Ramadan will begin on March 23, 2023.
Due to the lunar nature of the Islamic calendar, which differs from the solar-based Gregorian calendar used by most of the western world, the date varies yearly.
Ramadan is the holiest and most revered month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. Muslims firmly believe that the Prophet Muhammad received the Message from the archangel Gabriel during this holy month when he came to earth.
Muslims are supposed to increase their spiritual and physical subordination to God throughout Ramadan by fasting; this means that they must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in intimate behaviour between husband and wife from dawn until dawn-dusk.
Overview
There has always been some mystery and reflection surrounding the start of Ramadan. Religious authorities and intellectuals typically make this determination at night while attempting to spot sights related to the moon’s occurrence and cycle.
It’s crucial to remember that Ramadan dates vary across nations according to the moon’s cycle, but often only by one day. Therefore, the answer to the issue of when Ramadan 2023 begins depends on where you live.
Ramadan 2023 is anticipated to fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, according to the UAE-based International Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Since Ramadan 2023 is anticipated to last 30 days, the date of Eid ul Fitr is likely to happen on either Thursday, April 20, or Friday, April 21, 2023.
Significance
Ramadan is one of the five “pillars of Islam” and is a time for fasting and spiritual development. The other ones include the Mecca pilgrimage, daily prayer, almsgiving, and statement of faith. Muslims in good health are expected to fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month.
Numerous devout Muslims additionally engage in additional prayers, particularly at night, and make an effort to memorise the entire Qur’an. Muslims generally believe that the Prophet Muhammad originally received the Qur’an during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
History Behind The Festival
The Arabic root “ar-ramad” or “ramida,” which denotes sweltering heat or a lack of supplies, is where the word “ramadan” comes from. Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam and the holy month of fasting prescribed by the Quran for all Muslims who have reached puberty and can observe it. According to the Quran, it is celebrated on the ninth day of the Islamic calendar and is intended to inspire all Muslims to practise charity and piety. It is a period of introspection, self-reflection, and reformation that enables people to refresh and sanitize their beliefs. Due to the fact that the first chapters of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this month, this month has special significance in the Islamic calendar (peace and blessings upon him).
“The Quran was revealed throughout Ramadan as a guide for humanity and a clear indicator for judgement and guidance (between right and wrong). You should fast for that month if you are present (at home).”
The Battle of Badr, the first conflict between the Muslims of Medina and the pagan inhabitants of Mecca, is another important historical event that occurred this month. The Muslims triumphed in the battle, which took place in 624 CE in modern-day Saudi Arabia, and is described in the Quran and recorded in Hadiths.
The Muslims triumphed in the battle, which took place in 624 CE in modern-day Saudi Arabia, and is described in the Quran and recorded in Hadiths.
Beliefs
One of the most sacred occasions for Muslims is Ramadan, which falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims keep a severe daily fast from sunrise to sunset during this month. During these daylight hours, they are not allowed to consume any food or beverages, not even water. This Muslim holy month is centered around fasting from dawn until dark, which aims to cultivate God-consciousness or Allah’s awareness (“Taqwa” in Arabic). “God only requests this one thing from us. And for that reason, Ramadan is so unique. This month is for atoning for your sins.
Rituals Conducted
Observing Fasts During Ramadan
All Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days during the holy month of Ramadan, which falls in the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar. Muslims observe Ramadan during various seasons throughout their lifetimes since it moves forward by around 11 days a year on the solar-based Gregorian calendar.
All halal adult Muslims must fast during Ramadan as it is one of Islam’s five pillars or responsibilities. Muslims quickly raise their awareness of those who have less and emphasize the need to be grateful. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly people, people unable to fast due to physical or mental incapacity, children who have not reached puberty, and travellers are all excluded.
Ramadan requires its followers to fast from sunrise until dusk, abstaining from all food and beverages (including water and gum). Muslims should eat suhur or a pre-fast meal before the sun rises. Although in many cultures, this meal is more like dinner than breakfast; it may have more things that are dinner-like. Muslims break their fast-during Iftar, a meal that typically consists of dates and milk or water to start after sunset. Iftar is followed by dinner. Between those two meals, Muslims are permitted to nibble, and it is advised to stay hydrated, particularly in the summer when Ramadan falls.
Muslims who consume high-fiber meals to prolong satiety, fruits and vegetables to maintain electrolyte storage, and enough fluids to stay hydrated are more likely to make it to sundown for suhur, Iftar, and snacks. Additionally, Muslims ought to avoid fried foods and sugary treats, a popular cultural custom for many ethnic groups throughout the holy month.
Muslims observe a three-day festival known as Eid-ul-Fitr after Ramadan. When this Eid (“festival”) is over, Muslims visit their relatives and friends, pray the special prayer in congregation, and celebrate with food, presents, and kid-friendly activities.
Traditional Foods Consumed
Popular Sehri Dishes
Ful Ramadaan: An adaptation of the national cuisine of Egypt, ful medames, ful Ramadan is a traditional bean stew made with cooked fava beans, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.
Egg Brik: One of the best dishes for Sehri in Ramadan is Egg Brik, which consists of a whole egg in a triangle-shaped pastry pocket with chopped onion, harissa, tuna, and parsley on top.
Afghani Bolani: This mouthwatering flatbread from Afghanistan is packed with baked potatoes, herbs, and onions and makes a wonderful speciality for Sehri dinners.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Nothing beats fresh fruit salad for a filling, hydrating, and delectable breakfast, especially during Ramadan when a full day of fasting is in store.
Porridge: This perennially popular breakfast choice is just as suitable for Ramadan as it is for the rest of the year. It is often made with milk, muesli, and water and is satisfying, light, and popular as a breakfast food during Ramadan.
Favourite Iftar Items
Dates: Eating dates is a traditional way to begin Iftar. During Ramadan, it is said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast with dates and camel milk. Dates are a great source of potassium, magnesium, sugar, slow-digesting carbs, fibre, and vitamin B6.
Shorba is a tasty lentil soup that is very well-liked in the Middle Eastern region. It is a nutritious combination of healthy veggies and is high in proteins. It is also known as Arabic lentil soup and is a delicious starter for breaking the fast.
One of India’s most well-known Iftar foods is the keema samosa, a crispy fritter filled with a flavorful mutton mince filling and a variety of spices like ginger, chilies, mint, and garam masala.
Haleem: Fresh sheep flesh is slow-cooked with lentils, cracked wheat, and a variety of fragrant spices in this delicious stew, a favourite for Iftar.
Kebabs are a common complement to an Iftar dinner. They can range from ground meat wrapped around an iron rod to large portions of meat that have been expertly cooked.
FAQS
- Is Ramadan fasting required for all Muslims?
Yes, all healthy Muslims must fast, except minors. Additionally, exceptions can be made for those ill or whose health could be negatively impacted by fasting, such as breastfeeding, pregnant, or diabetic.
- What kinds of food products are to be avoided throughout Ramadan?
During Ramadan, it is best to avoid deep-fried, creamy, and sweet foods and sugary and caffeinated beverages.
- What foods are most frequently consumed during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations?
Ma’amoul, laasida, seviyan, kahk, and kuih are some celebratory foods frequently served at Eid-ul-Fitr feasts.
- Is it advisable to eat a lot at Iftar?
No, taking smaller bites and chewing each one thoroughly is best. This promotes healthy digestion and maintains a stable cardiovascular system.
- What breaks the Ramadan fast?
Iftar is the meal Muslims eat to break their fast after sunset and evening prayer. To imitate the way the Prophet Mohammed broke his fast, those celebrating Ramadan customarily break their fast by consuming three dates.
- Who Can’t Fast During Ramadan?
All healthy adult Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan as one of Islam’s five pillars or obligations. The elderly, people who cannot fast due to physical or mental limitations, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and travellers are excluded. Children who have not reached puberty are also excused.
- What shades represent Ramadan?
– Purple and dark violet represent prosperity, knowledge, honour, pride, and independence. They are linked to ambition as well.
– The colour yellow stands for joy, happiness, recall, and honour.
– The colours green and turquoise stand for the development and new life. Additionally, these hues stand for harmony and vitality.
- What does fasting serve to achieve?
Fasting is a test of willpower. Food, drink, and sexual relations are three of the most significant human impulses, making them challenging to abstain from. Muslims develop self-control so they can use it in other areas of their lives by learning to go without these three basic human necessities for a while. For instance, someone who went sixteen hours without drinking water may find it easier to resist the urge to consume alcohol or engage in other illegal activities. In the end, fasting is done to cultivate the characteristic of being aware of God.
- What makes Ramadan unique? Why are you fasting this month?
The first revelation of the Qur’an took place during the month of Ramadan. Allah decided that this month should be designated as a special occasion to honor the Qur’an.
- How ill must you be to skip a fast?
A person is excused from fasting if they have a condition that is likely to injure their body, make them sicker, or cause them to recover more slowly. A medical expert should be consulted to establish the extent of the disease. People who have a slight cough or fever should still fast because it usually won’t do any harm. When determining whether or not you are too sick to fast, keep in mind that fasting, even when healthy, involves some discomfort.
- Should expecting mothers fast?
Many pregnant ladies fast, and it doesn’t hurt them or their unborn child. However, this depends on the woman’s health and stature, the time of year, and her way of living. Every situation is unique. It is essential to speak with a doctor knowledgeable about nutrition and pregnancy to determine whether fasting poses a risk to the mother or the unborn child. If so, the expecting mother shouldn’t fast and should make up for the days she missed later.
- Should nursing mothers fast?
Many mothers breastfeed their kids while they keep fasting. Both they and their milk supply are unaffected. However, this depends on the woman’s health and stature, the time of year, and her way of living. Every situation is unique. It is best to speak with a doctor knowledgeable about nursing and nutrition to determine whether fasting harms the mother or the mother’s ability to produce milk. If so, the nursing mother need not fast but must make up for the days she lost later.
