This week marks the beginning of the Ramadan for more than a billion Muslims across the world. The month long observance which will begin from either May 15 or May 16 will see the Muslims observing fasting from sunrise to sunset, Reciting Quran, attending their prayer sessions and much more. Here is all you need to know about Ramadan – The Holiest month for the Islams.
When does Ramadan come.
Ramadan marks its beginning in the Ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when the crescent moon is first seen. The date of the Ramadan is confirmed once the moon is spotted. This year it is expected to be 15th May – Tuesday or 16th May – Wednesday depending upon the atmospheric condition. The Saudi Arabia and few other nations use special infrared cameras to capture the new moon which is not visible through the standard telescope. The end of the Ramadan is also marked by the sighting of the new moon only. This year Ramadan will begin on 16th May in Saudi Arabia and 17th May in Oman and is expected to end on 2nd or 3rd Week of June.
Significance of Ramadan and how is it observed.
According to the first chapter in Quran, the sacred book of Muslims, they believe that during this period the gates of the heaven are open and the gates of the hell are closed. So the Muslims mark this month by fasting which is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this period the Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset. The the meal before dawn is known as Suhoor and the meal after the dusk when the fast is broken is known as Iftar.
The Ramadan is not just restricted to fasting and abstinence from food or water. It also extends to refraining from sexual activity, Jealousy, anger, injury or even negative thoughts. Ramadan helps a person to build self control, self purification enabling him to get closer to Allah.
How to wish someone Ramadan.
To wish someone on Ramadan one says ‘Ramadan Kareem’ which means ‘Have a Generous Ramadan’ or simply ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ meaning ‘Happy Ramadan’.
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