Ramadan is about to come for the Muslims this year, and many are curious about this very important occasion. What is the significance of the Ramadan to Islam? Why does the date change every year? And when will Ramadan fall this year?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and considered one of the most important time in Islam. Muslims believe that in this month, Prophet Muhammed received the Holy Book, the Qu'ran. To observe this occasion, Muslims all over the world go through a month of fasting (Sawm), between their early morning meal (Suhur) and night time meal (Iftar). Aside from this, Muslims also abstain from acts like sex, gossip, swearing and other sinful acts to cleanse themselves and to learn self-control.
According to the Qu'ran itself, the Ramadan is very important. It says, "The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
Now, Ramadan is different every year because of the calendar. The Islamic calendar is based on the moon which is a contrast to the Gregorian calendar which follows the sun. Due to this, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.
The Ramadan calendar starts during "Hilal," a day (sometimes days) after the astronomical new moon. The next important day is "Laylat al-Qadr" meaning "the night of decree." It is the holy night that commemorates the time when the first revelation of the Qu'ran was given to Muhammed. The last day is called "Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
Now, this year, the Ramadan will start on May 26 and end on June 25. During the end of Ramadan, Muslims will come together in the Mosque for prayer and then give each other wishes of a blessed Eid.
