What Is Ramadan and Why Is It Important?
Ramadan is the 9th and most blessed month of the Islamic calendar. It’s a time for reflection, to become closer to Allah (SWT), and for the community to give to those less fortunate.
So, we know it’s a holy month – but what do Muslims actually do during it?
Ramadan is perhaps most famous for fasting every day from dawn till dusk. In fact, it plays such a central role that it’s even one of the five pillars of Islam.
But fasting is about more than just abstaining from food and drink.
It’s a type of worship that fosters a deeper connection to Allah (SWT), helps understand those less fortunate, cleanses your body, and even teaches patience and self-control.
But that’s not all – Muslims perform acts of worship by praying, reading the Qur’an, and giving generously to charity.
At the end of the month, Muslims enjoy Eid ul-Fitr where they gather together with friends and loved ones for feasts, celebrations and gifts!
When Is Ramadan 2023?
So, when does Ramadan start in 2023? Well, we have a rough idea, but it’s not that simple.
The month of Ramadan comes after Sha’ban and before Shawwal, but because the Islamic calendar follows moon cycles, dates change each year – usually by about 10 days.
In 2023, Ramadan is expected to start around 22nd March as Sha’ban ends. Like all months, Ramadan lasts about 30 days, so it will end on the 21st of April. Of course, this all depends on the sighting of a crescent moon to kick off the new month.
Here are some of the key Ramadan dates to mark in your diary.
Laylat ul-Qadr: The Night of Power
Travel back to 610AD… Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was in Hira, a cave nestled in the Jabal an-Noor mountains nearby Makkah. It was there that he was visited by the angel Jibril (AS) who revealed the first words of the Qur’an.
This is known as Laylat ul-Qadr, the Night of Power.
Muhammad (PBUH) was told he was the final prophet following Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Isa. And although his (PBUH) revelations continued for another 23 years, this was the first one – and it all started in the month of Ramadan.
Eid-ul Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal. But it isn’t all about celebrating the end of the fast – it’s also all about thanking Allah for help and strength to keep the fast.
But come Eid, there’s no more fasting!
You dress up, make your Eid donation (known as Fitrana) that’s given to the needy, and perform a special Eid prayer – then the celebrations start with feasts and gifts!
Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan and What Are the Benefits?
Aside from eating during Suhoor in the morning and Iftar in the evening, Muslims abstain from drinking and eating for the whole day while the sun is up. They avoid impure thoughts, anger or any immoral acts too.
But why?
Well, it helps you understand the pain and suffering of others who live in poverty.
It also helps you become more grounded and grateful for what Allah has given you, strengthening your connection with Him.
There’s a whole load of physical benefits to fasting too. It’s good to give yourself a full body detox. You hydrate yourself more effectively and make more healthier choices, regulating cholesterol and resetting your appetite.
What to Do in Ramadan
Ramadan isn’t just a month of fasting. Since it’s such a holy time of the year, there’s a range of recommended acts or Sunnahs you could perform. After all, every good deed during Ramadan is worth 70 times more than usual – so make the most of it!
Observe Fasts
Fasting in Ramadan means abstinence from food and drink (including water and gum!) from dawn to sunset.
But remember that it’s not obligatory for all Muslims. Those who are exempt are:
• Young children
• People with severe illness
• The elderly
• Those who are travelling above 48 miles
Going a whole day without any food or drink can be challenging, and that’s why you need to have a varied diet and think carefully about what you eat for Iftar and Suhoor.
Include whole grains like cereal or bread, protein like milk, yoghurt, and eggs, and healthy fats from nuts and olives. High-fibre meals will help sustain you throughout the day, and fruits and vegetables are gold dust to store up electrolytes.
Top tip: avoid fried food and sugary sweets but have a bunch of dates – they’re rich in fiber, nutrients, and vitamins!
Think carefully about fluids as well. Just remember to drink plenty of water over a long period of time. Don’t chug a whole load just before sunrise; that’ll just dehydrate your electrolytes and can even lead to water intoxication…!
Read Qur’an
As it’s a month for devotion to Allah, it’s a perfect time to read more Qur’an. After all, Ramadan was the month it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
If you know Arabic, it might be a good idea to refer to a Tafsir (commentary of the Qur’an). They offer explanations and interpretations to help you understand the Arabic text more clearly.
Perform Sunnah Prayers
Aside from reading the Qur’an, you should perform Sunnah prayers to really strengthen your connection to Allah. In fact, there are so many prayers you could perform, it might even be worth creating yourself a Ramadan timetable!
One of the main ones is Tarawih that’s only prayed during Ramadan between Isha and Fajr.
And there are other Nawaafil prayers to choose from: Ishraq performed half an hour after sunrise, and Awwabin performed after the sun has risen and before it reaches its zenith.
Donate to Charity
Give extra to charity in the form of Sadaqah. The Prophet PBUH gave Sadaqah throughout the whole year, but even more during Ramadan – why not follow his example?
Increase Your Remembrance of Allah
The best way to strengthen your connection to Allah and remember him is through Dhikr. This literally means ‘remembrance’ and is any action that reminds us of Allah throughout the day, helping us to be always mindful of him.
Ramadan is a special month, one in which Muslims come closer to Allah and become more compassionate towards others through fasting. Also make the most of Sadaqah by donating here – it won’t just help those living in hunger, but you’ll also reap countless rewards.
