What Is Ramadan? Everything To Know About the Muslim Holy Month and How To Celebrate
Plus, when Ramadan takes place in 2023.
Despite Ramadan being one of the most important times of year for Muslims, it's also one of the least understood by people of other faiths. What is Ramadan? Why is it celebrated? Who can and can't fast? What's its significance? Can you chew gum?
Here, we answer all your Ramadan questions to ensure you can show the proper respect and support for your friends during Islam's holiest days.
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims dedicated to fasting, prayer and studying and reciting the Quran. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which God revealed the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, it is believed that the gates to Hell are closed and the gates to Heaven are open, and it is a time of reflection and divine revelations in an effort to become closer to God.
While most healthy Muslims abstain from food, water and intimacy from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, abstinence extends beyond tangible physical acts to things like gossip, jealousy and negative thoughts.
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When is Ramadan 2023?
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is governed by the moon. In 2023, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and conclude the evening of Friday, April 21. The exact start date depends on individual mosques' and leaders' sightings of a slender crescent moon.
How long is Ramadan 2023?
Ramadan will last 30 days in 2023.
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What is the purpose of Ramadan?
The purpose of Ramadan is to uphold the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm, which means to fast. It is also a time for families and loved ones to gather and celebrate.
What do you do on the first day of Ramadan?
On the first day of Ramadan, celebrants typically wake up before dawn for their first meal of the day, called sohour, which is usually substantial since they have to fast until sunset. Typically, Muslims will have a filling meal with plenty of water to last them until dark when they can eat again. At dawn, all eating and drinking stops and prayer begins. The rest of the day is celebrated relatively as normal, though work is prohibited. At sunset, the fast is typically broken with dates and water, or other light foods (think soup, appetizers, or fruit), followed by the sunset prayer. After prayers, iftar, the evening breaking of the fast, takes place. Families and loved ones often gather for the meal before resting until dawn.
How do you celebrate the last day of Ramadan?
The last evening of Ramadan is called Eid al-Fitr, or "the feast of breaking the fast." A special set of prayers, called Salat al-Eid, are recited, and gatherings are often held in mosques or open-air areas. Just as it sounds, Eid al-Fitr is often celebrated with a large breakfast as the first daylight meal following Ramadan, then a big dinner later on. Eid al-Fitr celebrations usually last three days. Food, gifts for children and games are popular to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
What is and is not allowed during Ramadan?
During the fast, healthy Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink, work, smoke cigarettes or have intimate contact during Ramadan. Some people may also choose to abstain from other activities, like listening to music or watching television, but there's no hard or fast rule about it. You're also prohibited from taking medication, even if you don't wash pills down with water.
Can you kiss during Ramadan?
You can kiss during Ramadan unless you've made a personal vow not to do so, but sexual activity is not permitted.
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Can you drink water during Ramadan?
You aren't supposed to drink water during the Ramadan fasting period (from sunrise to sunset).
What do you say during Ramadan?
The most common greeting for Ramadan is “Ramadan Mubarak,” which translates to "Have a blessed Ramadan" or "Have a blessed celebration."
What happens if you don't fast during Ramadan?
If you don't fast for a day during Ramadan (or for the entire thing!), you have some options: You can fast another day later in the year, or provide a meal to a person in need for each day you didn't fast.
Can you listen to music during Ramadan?
You can listen to music during Ramadan unless you've specifically chosen not to do so.
Is anyone exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
Physical fasting only applies to healthy people of puberty age or older; the elderly, ill, pregnant or nursing and young children are exempt from fasting.
Can you brush your teeth during Ramadan?
You can brush your teeth during Ramadan and use mouthwash or floss—just make sure not to swallow anything!
Can you chew gum during Ramadan?
Chewing gum is prohibited during the Ramadan fast.
Can you exercise during Ramadan?
Exercising during Ramadan is permitted, but often is not advised due to the prohibition of drinking water and eating, as it makes dehydration and fatigue a greater risk.
Next, celebrate Ramadan with these dishes to keep you full during the fast.
