The sacred and auspicious month of Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, contemplation, and merriment. With its anticipated arrival drawing near, it is essential to arm oneself with knowledge about the critical dates and events surrounding this Holy period. Therefore, in the spirit of guiding you towards a blessed and fruitful Ramadan, we have compiled the relevant details below.
For those who are eagerly anticipating Ramadan 2023, it is important to note that the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which is based on the phases of the moon. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan moves ahead by approximately ten days each year in the Gregorian calendar. For this reason, Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin on Wednesday 22 March, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca, which will mark the start of this period of reverence and devotion. Furthermore, the end of Ramadan 2023 will be on Friday 21 April, culminating in the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr, which will commence on either Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April.
In order to ensure that you have all the relevant information to hand, we have compiled a list of key Ramadan 2023 dates at a glance:
| When does Ramadan start? | Wednesday 22 March. |
| How long is Ramadan? | 30 days. |
| When does Ramadan end? | Friday 21 April. |
| When Is Laylat al-Qadr? | On or around Monday 17 April. |
| When Does Eid al-Fitr Start? | Saturday 22 April. |
Sawm
Of the Five Pillars of Islam, one of the most important is Sawm, which translates to 'fasting' in Arabic. Although fasting is practised elsewhere in the Islamic calendar, it is primarily associated with the Holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims worldwide fast for the entire month. Fasting is an integral part of Ramadan, and every person who is of able body and sound mind is expected to fast during this period.
Sawm takes place every day from sunrise to sunset, and our Ramadan timetable of daylight hours makes it easier to prepare. It is crucial to familiarize oneself with the fasting times as anyone who is still consuming their Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) at the completion of the Fajr (call to prayer) is disqualified from that day’s fast. Once the sunset and the Maghrib prayers have been completed, this marks the end of the day's fast. It is customary to break the fast by consuming dates, which have been scientifically proven to be a healthy snack, before the Iftar (evening meal), which is typically shared amongst friends and family.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast,’ is the momentous holiday that follows the month of Ramadan. Celebrated for up to three days, Eid al-Fitr does not commence until the moon has been sighted, although it is expected to start on either Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April 2023. This is a time for great feasts, the exchange of gifts to children, and spending quality time with loved ones. It is advisable to check with your local mosque for confirmation of dates and any community activities that may be taking place near you.
Zakat al-Fitr
Another significant aspect of Ramadan is Zakat al-Fitr, which is a charitable contribution traditionally of a staple food item. This contribution is intended to assist those who are less fortunate in enjoying the celebration of Eid al-Fitr with their friends and loved ones. It is possible to donate Zakat al-Fitr any time throughout the month. However, like Zakat, many people choose to make their donation on Laylat al-Qadr.
Ramadan Timetable
To ensure that you are fully prepared for the fast, it is important to have a Ramadan timetable. This will provide the daily timings for the start and end of the fast, as well as prayer timings. The timings will differ depending on your location and time zone, so it is important to check with your local mosque or Islamic center to obtain the most accurate information.
When is Ramadan 2023 in the USA?
For those living in the United States, Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin on March 22, 2023, and end on April 21, 2023. The exact dates may vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon. It is important to check with your local mosque or Islamic center for the most accurate information on the start and end dates of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan 2023 in the UAE?
In the United Arab Emirates, Ramadan 2023 is also expected to begin on March 22, 2023, and end on April 21, 2023. However, the exact dates may vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon. It is important to check with your local mosque or Islamic center for the most accurate information on the start and end dates of Ramadan.
When is Ramadan 2023 in India?
For those living in India, Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin on March 22, 2023, and end on April 21, 2023. The exact dates may vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon. It is important to check with your local mosque or Islamic center for the most accurate information on the start and end dates of Ramadan.
Preparing for Ramadan
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, but it is also a time for physical preparation. It is important to make sure that you are physically prepared for the fast by eating healthy and balanced meals during non-fasting hours. Hydration is also crucial during Ramadan, especially for those living in warmer climates. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks during non-fasting hours to avoid dehydration.
In addition to physical preparation, it is also important to prepare mentally and spiritually for Ramadan. This can include reading the Quran, attending lectures or classes at your local mosque or Islamic center, and reflecting on your personal relationship with God.
During Ramadan, it is also important to prioritize giving back to your community and those in need. This can include volunteering at your local mosque or Islamic center, donating to charity, or helping those less fortunate in your community.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a holy month of reflection, contemplation, and celebration. It is a time for spiritual and physical preparation, as well as giving back to the community. The start and end dates of Ramadan in 2023 may vary depending on the sighting of the moon, so it is important to check with your local mosque or Islamic center for the most accurate information.
May this Ramadan bring blessings and peace to all those who observe it.
Ramadan Mubarak!
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