Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, is a time for Muslims around the world to engage in spiritual reflection and practices such as fasting, prayer, and charity. It is an important time for the
Muslim community, and as it approaches, people are preparing for the observance. Unlike other religious holidays that are fixed to certain dates, the start of Ramadan varies from year to year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the cycle of the moon.
The Islamic lunar calendar is composed of 12 months and has 354 or 355 days, depending on the moon's visibility. As a result, Ramadan starts about 11 days earlier each year. This means that over the years, Ramadan will start at different times of the year, making it challenging to know when it will begin. Furthermore, the exact start date can vary depending on various factors, such as local practices and traditions, and predictions of the moon cycle.
Many institutions rely on the decision of the moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia to determine the start of Ramadan. The committee uses specialized equipment to observe the cycle of the moon and determine when it has reached a certain stage, called the astronomical new moon. Once the crescent moon is spotted, Ramadan begins.
In the UK, the start of Ramadan in 2023 is predicted to be either Wednesday, March 22, or Thursday, March 23, based on the moon sighting committee's decision. However, there may be slight variations in dates due to local practices and traditions. If you are unsure about when Ramadan begins, you can observe the moon yourself or ask your local imam for guidance.
When observing Ramadan, Muslims typically fast from sunrise to sunset. However, the Islamic day starts at sunset, not sunrise, meaning that the fast begins before the Fajr prayer, which is the early morning prayer, as the sun rises. During the fast, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and engaging in any immoral or sinful activities. This period of abstinence is intended to foster spiritual growth and discipline.
In addition to fasting, Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charitable acts during Ramadan. It is a time to reflect on one's relationship with God and to strengthen one's connection to the community. Ramadan is also an opportunity to practice self-discipline and empathy, which can help individuals develop a deeper sense of compassion and gratitude.
In conclusion, Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims around the world, and its start date varies from year to year due to the lunar calendar. While there may be slight variations in the start date depending on local practices and traditions, the moon sighting committee's decision in Saudi Arabia is typically used as a guide. As the holy month approaches, Muslims will engage in fasting, prayer, and charity, reflecting on their spiritual journey and growing closer to their faith and community. Photo by AA, Wikimedia commons.