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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and marks the time when the holy book of Islam, the Quran, is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. It is marked with a month-long fast. Its name literally means “scorching heat” in Arabic.
Muslims spends a period of 30 days abstaining from food and drink, including water, smoking and sexual intercourse, during daylight hours as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith month. This year began on the 23rd of March to the 21st of April, where Muslims celebrates the breaking if their fast called Eid al Fitr.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. During Ramadan, there is an increased offering of the Salat, with Muslims giving thanks to Allah, while the fasting ritual allows them to understand the suffering of others.
During the observation of the fasting season everyone are being encouraged to read the Quran and the holy text is recited at the Tarawih – a special nightly prayer that are held throughout the month.
How does the moon sighting work?
Traditionally, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after the new moon, meaning the start date cannot be precisely predicted.
There is some debate as to whether the idea of a moon sighting should refer to you physically witnessing the moon in your region, which could be hampered by factors such as weather conditions, or whether to defer to sightings in Saudi Arabia – or the nearest Muslim country to you.
Many people choose to go with Saudi Arabia, which is home to Mecca.
Some people argue that technological advancements in astronomy mean that the rising of the new moon can be calculated with unprecedented accuracy, meaning that a standardised start date can be used for all Muslims worldwide, rather than having variations.
Since month of Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, its position in the more widely used Gregorian calendar varies.
According to psychologist the behaviour of abstaining can have positive impact on mental health and increases self- efficacy. The ability to control your own behaviour can boost self –confidence and feeling of empowerment.
We are wishing Ramadan Mubarak to those that celebrates and see you again after Eid –Al- Fitr 2023
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