Ramadan 2023: History and importance of this holy month

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• Mar 20, 2023 | Guriya Khatun

According to the Quran, this is the holy month for all Muslims, which is observed by several customs including a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and introspection. 

Digital Desk: Muslims around the world consider the holy month of Ramadan in the highest regard. At this time, Muslims observe the Islamic calendar by fasting from dawn to sunset, followed by a feast every evening for about a month. The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan.

On March 22, 2023, following the moon's sighting over Mecca, Ramadan is expected to start in India for the current year. Friday, April 21, 2023, will mark the end of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

The ninth month in the Islamic/Hijri calendar is Ramadan. Depending on when the Shawwal Moon is visible, the month lasts between 29 and 30 days, leading up to the highly awaited Islamic holiday of Eid ul Fitr on the first of Shawwal. One of the Five Pillars of Islam is Ramadan, and it is during this holy month that the Prophet Mohammed received the first revelation of the Al-Quran. The Arabic word "Ramad" or "Ramida," which means scorching heat or drought, is where the word "Ramadan" originates. So Ramadan implies abstinence from eating or drinking anything between sunrise and dusk.

According to the Quran, this is the holy month for all Muslims, which is observed by several customs including a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and introspection. The initial lessons of the Holy Quran were given to Prophet Muhammad during this month.

A man named Muhammad, a citizen of the Arabian city of Mecca, allegedly began receiving revelations from Allah or God through an angel by the name of Gabriel. The start of Ramadan is marked by the first sighting. The revelations or prophesies were then compiled into 114 chapters, which were then bound together to form the book that is now known as the Holy Quran.

The final prophet in the series of prophets chosen by God to convey his message of oneness, love, and compassion was Mohammad, according to devotees.

Islam holds that performing good deeds during the month of Ramadan leads to prosperity and success. The gates of heaven are also said to open and the devils are chained during the holy month of Ramadan.

The victory of Muslims in Medina over Pagans in Mecca, which is recorded in the Quran and Hadiths, gives the month additional significance. The Battle of Badr, which took place in Saudi Arabia in 624 CE, marked the first conflict between the two groups and saw the Muslims win over the Pagans.

Ramadan fasting can be an aimless act of deprivation or a religious discipline that fosters advancement in morals, health, and spirituality.

Fasting is Obligatory during Ramadan

Since Ramadan is the most revered month for the whole Muslim Ummah, Muslims around the world observe fasting from dawn to dusk for the entire month.

The food eaten before Fajr time is known as ‘Suhoor’ and Iftar is the term for food consumed after Maghrib Salah.

In the Second Year of Hijri, all adult Muslims had to fast during the month of Ramadan (Migration from Makkah to Madinah of Muslims).

Who is exempted from Fasting?

Although Ramadan fasting is a requirement for all able Muslims, some persons are exempt from the fast if they are unable to do so for a variety of valid reasons. Fasting is not required during Ramadan for those who are ill or travelling. Following this Ayah and numerous scholars, the following people are also free from fasting:

1- Physically or Mentally ill people

2- Travelers

3- Women during menstruation

4- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5- Elderly People (if fasting will cause their health to deteriorate further)

6- Children who have not reached puberty

Things that invalidate the Ramadan fast:

1- Medication taken through the nose or ears

2- Vomit Intentionally

3- Water accidentally goes down the throat whilst gargling

4- Ejaculating because of contact with a woman

5- Swallowing items

6- Smoking

7- Continuing to eat or drink after eating or drinking unintentionally and assuming the fast has already been broken

8- Eating after Suhoor / Subh Sadiq / Sehri (starting time of Fast before Fajr Salah) with the impression of it being before Suhoor / Subh Sadiq

9- Eating Iftar (meal to be consumed after breaking the fast at Maghrib Salah) at the wrong time i.e. eating it before sunset with the assumption that it is after sunset

Ramadan is the month of Allah's blessings

The month of Ramadan is an opportunity provided by the Merciful Creator for His servants to get close to Him, ask for pardon for their sins, and carry out their religious duties. In this month, Allah has fasting fardh (obligatory) by day and has made Sunnah the Taraweeh Salah by night. Anybody who seeks to be close to Allah by carrying out good deeds will receive a reward equivalent to that of someone who had fulfilled a fardh at any other time, and anyone who fulfils a fardh will receive the equivalent of seventy faraaidh at any other time.

Devotees strictly fast on every day of the month of Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset, the devotees are not allowed to consume even a single grain of food or drop of water. They also have to refrain from having impure thoughts and harmful habits like smoking and drinking.

Suhoor

The majority of devotees get up early in the morning to have breakfast as the day begins. This breakfast is referred to as suhoor. It is an essential component of fasting since it keeps the devotees healthy throughout the full month of Ramadan.

Iftar

Every Muslim follows the practice as it was Prophet Muhammad's custom to break his fast with a date. Families come together at dusk to break their daylong fast, and a lavish feast is also prepared. Iftar is the name given to the lavish meal prepared to break the fast after sunset.

Taraweeh

Taraweeh is the night prayers that are recited throughout the month of Ramadan. Before going to bed, the lengthy chapters of the Quran are recited to keep up with prayers and avoid thinking negatively.

Zakat

It is the third pillar of Islam, and it mandates that every Muslim household donate money to buy food for the poor. During the blessed month of Ramadan, also known as Zakat al-Fitr, the household's head pays the cost of one meal on behalf of every family member. This is a significant rite that teaches compassion because by generously offering Zakat, one provides meals for the underprivileged and hungry.

Itikaf

Islam holds that Itikaf was the delightful night when the Prophet Muhammad heard the first verses of the Quran and that this blessed night determines one's fate for the coming year. Itikaf night's exact date is unknown, however, it is generally accepted that it occurs between the final ten days of Ramadan. In quest of the Night of Decree, Lailul ul-Qadar, many Muslims withdraw into seclusion over the last 10 days and offer prayers.

Eid ul-Fitr

The last day of Ramadan is commemorated as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam's major festivals. Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. In addition to making prayers and expressing appreciation for finishing the month-long fast, Muslims prepare special foods and give gifts to youngsters and those in need.

Decorations & Food

They decorate their homes and stores during this holy month. Prayer flags, flowers, and twinkling lights are strung from every nook and cranny of bazaars to further enhance the joyful mood. Popular restaurants and grocery stores serve unique dishes and provide special discounts.