Why is ramadan holy

After the sun fully sets, the fast is typically broken with water and dates, followed by prayers and a meal called iftar. It begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky. During the three days, Muslims attend prayers in the morning and visit loved ones and neighbours. Then they enjoy a delicious traditional feast with friends and family.

As a symbol of unity, Ramadan is a time when Muslims from all over the world come together to celebrate their faith. What are your favourite Ramadan traditions and customs? Let us know in the comments below!

Lunar months last between 29 to 30 days depending on when the new moon is sighted. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th day , then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days. The Eid al-Fitr celebration marks the end of the month when Muslims celebrate a successful Ramadan of fasting and worship.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. There is also a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to do so for the full day.

So Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate to those in need.

These countries will be on the lookout for the Eid moon that evening. Try to remember not to offer them a bite or a sip of what you're eating, because it's sometimes hard for us to remember that we're fasting and easy to absentmindedly accept and eat that Lay's potato chip you just offered us.

But if you do, it's okay. We're not going to get mad or be offended unless you're doing it on purpose, in which case, what is wrong with you? If you're having a dinner party and you want to invite your Muslim friends, try to schedule it after sunset so they can eat. Muslims don't drink alcohol or eat pork, but we usually don't mind being around it. Contrary to popular belief , we are not scared of or allergic to pork; we just don't eat it. It's not like we're vampires and pork is garlic.

But do let us know if there's alcohol or pork in something so we don't accidentally consume it. If you want to wish your Muslim friends or acquaintances a happy Ramadan or happy Eid al-Fitr, you're welcome to just say, "Happy Ramadan! Even something as simple as learning one of those expressions and saying it with a smile to your Muslim friends will go a long way toward making them feel comfortable and welcome.

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By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Ramadan 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask This year, Ramadan starts on April Share this story Share this on Facebook Share this on Twitter Share All sharing options Share All sharing options for: Ramadan 9 questions about the Muslim holy month you were too embarrassed to ask.

Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email. Workers disinfect the Blue Mosque before its reopening on the last day of Eid al-Fitr in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 26, , amid the Covid pandemic. A Muslim family gathers at the table for the iftar meal after sunset during Ramadan on May 13, , in Rotterdam, Netherlands. If you Google it, you'll see there's a little disclaimer under Google's answer that says "Dates may vary": That also has to do with the moon — as well as disagreements about science, history, and tradition, plus a bit of geopolitical rivalry.

If it's been a while since your high school astronomy class, here's a reminder of what the phases of the moon look like: The phases of the moon.

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For more newsletters, check out our newsletters page. Give Give. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting as ordained by the Quran for all Muslims who have reached puberty and who are able to keep it, and it is the fourth pillar of Islam.

It falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and according to the Quran has been decreed to encourage all Muslims to be pious and charitable. It is a time of meditation, reflection and self-reformation, allowing people to renew and purify their faith. This month is particularly significant in the Islamic calendar as it was in this month that the first chapters of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings upon him.

So every one of you who is present at his home during that month should spend it in fasting. Al-Baqara This month is also momentous for another significant event, the Battle of Badr, which was the first battle between the Muslims of Medina and the pagans of Mecca. It was fought in C.