4 things to know about the month of Ramadan
We have compiled a list of four things you may not know about this holy month.
EVERY year more than a billion Muslims around the world observe the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is Islam’s holiest month and is a time for reflection and growth.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day of the month and aim to grow closer to Allah (God) and their loved ones.
Muslims also believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the holy book, the Quran, were revealed.
1. The start of Ramadan changes each year
The dates and duration of Ramadan are based on the lunar calendar. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months and 354 days with Ramadan being the ninth month. The first day of the month will be observed in South Africa on Thursday, March 23. In fact the cycle of the moon also determines when Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
2. Traditionally, there are two ways to start and end your fast
Every morning, Muslims get up before sunrise to eat a meal to start the daily fast and this is called sehri or suhoor. Muslims also recite a duaa or prayer to start their fast, and end it. The meal to break ones fast is called iftar. A tradition during the month is also to break the fast with your family and loved ones or communally, usually at a mosque.
3. Fasts are traditionally broken with dates
While it is not a must, the Prophet Muhammad, the final messenger of God, advised that Muslims should break their fast by eating a date and water. In fact, dates are a staple on most iftar (the meal eaten to break your fast) tables.
4. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and the sick are not obligated to fast
It is not compulsory for children to fast until they reach puberty. Pregnant women are also not obligated to fast. The sick and the elderly are encouraged to discontinue their Ramadan fast if it threatens their overall health.
- If you would like to wish someone you know well during the month, you can either write Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, two of the more common greetings.
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