The word “Ramadan” refers to an Arabic word, “Ramad”, whose literal meaning is something which is severely hot or scorchingly heated by the Sun! According to various hadiths, Ramadan refers to the names of God in the Islamic culture! Thus, according to Shia, Sunni, and Zaydi beliefs, it is important to say, “month of Ramzaan” and not Ramadan separately. Our Muslim brothers follow the Islamic calendar, which follows the rotational and revolutionary movements of the moon, as against the Solar calendar, which follows the Sun. Hence, according to the lunar calendar, Ramadan falls on the ninth month of a 12- month year, which follows Shaban month and is followed by the month of Shawwal.
The fasting of Ramadan starts immediately after the moon sighting for Ramadan, and ends after the next crescent moon is observed. According to reports, this year the first moon sighting was observed on the 1st April, Friday and will end on 2nd May, Sunday.
Thus, the fasting for Ramadan would start on the 2nd of April, Saturday.
But, have you ever thought about what would happen when the moon is sighted at different times in different parts of the country? Do Muslims belonging to one single religious community perform fasting at different times? Or, are there any mutual ways of offering prayers? Head to our next section to understand Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan moon sighting.
How Does The Moon Sighting Work?
Ramadan, also popularly known as Ramzaan Or Romzan ( in Bangladesh), begins after the observance of the first crescent moon and ends after the observance of the consecutive crescent moon, also celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr.
But, there has been a prevailing controversy among the experts for many years as to whether the moon sighting for Ramadan should be considered successful only after the moon is physically seen by the naked eye. Such controversies exist because, sometimes it becomes impossible to observe the moon through naked eyes due to pollution, dust, etc. Apart from that, due to the difference in the timings of sunrise and sunset in different parts of the world, people from different time zones will observe the moon at different times. Thus, to solve this dilemma, people follow the Saudi Arabia moon sighting for Ramadan and timings for Ramadan fasting.
Others argue that with advancements in technology, the perfect timing for the rising of the moon can be calculated precisely. Thus, it is not necessary to “see” the moon through naked eyes.
History Of Ramadan
According to the history of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad had his first revelation about the holy Quran on Laylat al-Qadr, one of the five odd-numbered nights that fall during Ramadan! Additionally, according to Muslim beliefs, all forms of sacred scriptures, such as the Torah, Gospels, and scrolls of Abraham were handed during the Ramadan month. The act of fasting during Ramadan started in the second year of Hijra, or 624 CE.
According to the Islamic religion, the act of fasting during Ramadan doesn’t promote the “existence of one and only one divine power,”, rather it states that fasting is necessary to attain faith and fear in the Almighty.
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How Do Muslims Celebrate Ramadan – Importance And Fasting
During the Ramadan month, Muslims start their day by having Sehri or Suhur, the meal which is consumed before going for Ramadan fasting. After the Suhur, the people offer their first prayer to the Supreme, known as Fajr! In the evening (after sunset), Muslims break their fast with a ritual called Iftaar, where they consume dates, following the rituals of Prophet Muhammad, who used to break his fast by consuming dates. Then they offer the fourth of the fifth prayer of the day, the prayer of Maghrib.
Ramadan month is the month of spiritual awakening and growth! The Ramadan fasting also instills in them a sense of sympathy and empathy for the poor and the needy. Fasting is a way to thank God for all the privileges they are entitled to, in their lives.
Additionally, fasting does not only count for food. During Ramadan, the Muslims also abstain from drinking any alcoholic beverages or smoking. They are also asked to stay away from sexual practices.
But, pregnant and lactating women, along with menstruating people are barred from fasting. Also, the elderly and youngsters, who have not attained puberty are too discouraged from fasting activities.
Often people with serious illnesses try to keep fast during Ramadan for their own happiness, but this kind of behavior is prohibited in the Hadith.
During the Ramadan month, Muslims engage in worship of their God and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
During the nighttime, people offer prayers to their deities, known as Tarawih. Some also try to complete each juz of the entire Quran over the one-month Ramadan period!
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Significance Of Ramadan
Ramadan is celebrated across the globe by hanging lights, especially in the form of the crescent moon. On Java Island, a ritual known as, Padusan, is followed where the Muslims bathe themselves in the holy spring water. In and around Jakarta, firecrackers are used, to celebrate Ramadan month
Foods are an important part of festivals! So, how does Ramadan stay away from its delicious foods?
During iftaar, traditional delicacies are prepared such as desserts, luqaimat, baklava, healthy juices, salads, lamb kebabs with veggies, roasted chicken, etc.
Nowadays, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi feeds a large group of people during iftaar!
In many parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, drums are beaten to wake people up for the Sehri meal.
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Charity And Other Rituals During Ramadan
During the Ramadan month, Muslims abstain from any negative practices, such as gossiping, fighting, quarreling, lying, etc. Later in the month, that is during the last ten days of Ramadan, people celebrate Laylat al- Qadr, a day to celebrate the first revelation of the Quran by the angel, Gabriel. Others perform i’tikaf, during which they stay in the mosque for at least one whole day, worshiping and praying to their God. It is a form of getting closer to the Almighty.
During Ramadan, people also perform Zakat, or Charity, during which they donate food, clothes, and other necessities to the needy. It is considered one of the pillars of Islam. Some Muslims donate their whole Zakat, a fixed amount of money that must be donated to the poor They believe that God will listen to their prayers during Ramadan and will reward them if they perform good deeds towards society.
Greetings And Wishes Of Ramadan
During the Ramadan month, Muslims greet each other with “Ramadan Mubarak“ or “Ramadan Kareem”, which means to have a blessed and joyful Ramadan.
During the Ramadan month, you can also wish your Muslim friends the below-mentioned wishes, greetings, and status.
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Ramadan Coming Soon Status And Greetings
- Happy and Prosperous Ramadan to all
- May the Supreme Allah bless all his children during the sacred month of Ramadan.
- Wishing this Ramadan that may Allah give you all the courage that you need to overcome the hurdles of your life. Ameen!
Ramzan Mubarak’s Status And Wishes
- During the month of Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed. Wishing that this Ramadan, may all our internal devils and negative energies are freed from us. May we start a new beginning in our lives. Ramadan Mubarak!
- May this Ramadan bring lots of happiness, prosperity, and faith to you and your family. Ramadan Kareem!
- Wish you a divine and peaceful Ramadan. May Allah fill your life with joy and paint your life with colors. Happy Ramadan.
Conclusion
Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, after the next moon sighting for Ramadan. This year Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the 2nd of May, Sunday. During this time, children receive presents from the elders. Various social gatherings and community celebrations are also observed.
Some countries have strict laws which say that Muslims should not work for more than 6 hours a day during fasting. Others believe that during fasting, productivity rates get lowered, which makes the companies unhappy with their workers.
Above all, there are various health benefits as well as disadvantages of Ramadan fasting. Reports say that fasting improves systolic blood pressure and severe cardiac diseases. While others believe that not eating at a continuous stretch might result in renal diseases. It also lowers the speed and endurance levels.
We wish you all a very happy Ramadan!
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