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It is no secret whatsoever that, for the vast majority of us, the past 12 months have been the hardest in living memory due to the pandemic and social restrictions placed on our way of life. Many of us have simply lost track of time as every day seems like the last, but for those who follow Islam, it will soon be one of the most important times of the year.
The month of Ramadan is a sacred time for all Muslims as this is when the annual fast takes place. Those that do not identify as Muslim will be familiar with followers of Islam abstaining from food and water, but this is not where the fast ends as Muslims are also not prohibited to engage in sexual activity, have impure thoughts, swear, or display negative emotions during daylight hours.
When is Ramadan This Year?
Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Monday 12th April with the fast beginning the day after. That is subject to the sighting of the new moon as Ramadan coincides with the lunar calendar, which is why the month of fasting happens earlier every year (roughly by 10 days).
If you are not Muslim and/or do not know a Muslim in your close social circle, you can be forgiven for not being aware that such a significant even will soon be taking place. After all, with the year we have all had to endure, there has been more than enough distractions.
How Muslims Prepare for Ramadan
Muslims do not so much prepare for Ramadan, as it is intended as a period of reflection and discipline which brings them closer to Allah. Some may make a conscious decision to lower their intake of food and water during the day as a means of preparation before the fast, perhaps even voluntarily fasting on selected days.
It is a common misconception that Ramadan, itself, is a celebration when this is not the case. Eid is the celebration of breaking the fast the comes after Ramadan – this is the festival that Muslims are likely to prepare for. In much the same way that Christians (and many non-Christians), prepare for Christmas by buying gifts for loved ones, Muslims gift presents for Eid – especially children. It is also common for families to encourage children to make their own decorations over Ramadan that can be used during Eid.
What do Muslims do for Ramadan?
As well as observing the fast, which is known as ‘sawm’, Muslims will carry out various traditions throughout Ramadan. This includes reciting the Qur’an, increasing the number of times they pray to Allah and fulfil charitable obligations.
Charity is a huge part of Muslim culture, with organisations such as ILM UK accepting donations to distribute amongst the needy that qualify as a Muslim’s obligatory charity – some of which include Zakat, Fitrana, Qurbani and more. Charity makes up one of the five pillars of Islam, with the religion placing great emphasis on looking after those who are most in need.
How to Greet a Muslim During Ramadan
There are a couple of ways how you can greet a Muslim during Ramadan, which are:
As Ramadan ends and Eid begins at the sighting of the new moon which signifies the completion of one lunar month and the start of another, the accepted greeting is “Eid Mubarak”.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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