The holy month of Ramadan has finally begun, with Muslims from around the world observing a period of fasting to test their strength and devotion to God.
Muslims gather in prayer, Quranic reading and mindfulness to make the most out of the fasting month.
Ramadan is celebrated in many different ways around the globe to mark the special occasion, from Iftar gatherings (Iftar- the opening of one’s fast), to household decorations and traditional foods, to mark its arrival.
Fasting begins just after dawn, before which Muslims will take a modest meal known as “suhoor”, and ends after sunset, known as “iftar”. In between these meals, those who are partaking in the fast will consume nothing, not even water.
In 2024, Ramadan will begin on the evening of Sunday 10 March and end on Tuesday 9 April. It starts with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon.
But how should you greet someone who observes the holy month? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why do Muslims celebrate Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and changes every year in accordance with the moon.
Before the fasting month begins, Muslims around the world prepare and wait for the arrival of Ramadan to be announced by the Saudi moon sighting committee or their local mosque.
Ramadan is an essential part of the Islamic faith and it is believed, that it is the month whereby the Holy Quran was first reveal to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
How do Muslims fast?
The fasting process is between dawn to sunset and is a sign of loyalty to the Islamic faith, which means that Muslims must abstain from eating and drinking, and yes, not even water.
Many Muslims fast as a reminder to remain patient, learn self-discipline and to build an understanding of those that are suffering around the world.
Among many others, Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of Islam. The pillars are key practices that Muslims are obligated to fulfill throughout their lifetime.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Fasting is not permitted to those that are suffering from a mental or physical illness.
Pregnant women who are breastfeeding and women who are menstruating, are also exempt. As well as travellers, and children who have not yet reached puberty.
How should you wish someone a ‘Happy Ramadan’?
A saying familiar to many Muslims around the globe is, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ which simply means ‘Blessed Ramadan’. Another commonly used term is, ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which translates to ‘Generous Ramadan’, both terms are from Arabic origins.
These are some of the ways in which many Muslims welcome the fasting month between family, friends and neighbours, and is well used throughout the fasting month, when greeting people for the first time.
‘Ramzan’, which is a Parsi word and stems from Persian roots, is often used around the globe too, mainly around countries such as India and Pakistan.
If you have Muslim colleagues, friends or neighbours, the simplest way to wish them a ‘Happy Ramadan’ is by saying, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or ‘Ramadan Kareem’ .
Happy fasting and Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims around the globe!
