Ramadan is 1 week away in UAE: Everything you need to know about Ramadan – News

From Prayer and Fasting to the “Night of Glory,” Here Are the Key Facts About This Time

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. Let’s take a closer look at this month, its significance and special practices.

Beyond shorter hours and other regulations – what does this month really mean?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The 12 months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Juamda al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’aban, Ramadan (Ramadan), Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah and Dhu al-Hijjah (the month in which Muslims go on a pilgrimage – Hajj).

Although the Islamic calendar has 12 months and is a lunar calendar, it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar – almost 10 days shorter, actually. That’s why Ramadan falls at a different time every year according to the Gregorian calendar. This year it is expected to start on Thursday, March 23rd. The exact start date of Ramadan can vary by a day, depending on the appearance of the moon – the new moon of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This verse from the Quran explains its importance:

“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an is revealed as a guide to mankind, with clear evidence of guidance and criteria for ‘distinguishing right from wrong’. So whoever is present during this month, let them fast. However, whoever is sick or traveling, should “Let them fast” the same number of days “after Ramadan”. Allah intends to give you ease, not difficulty, so that you can complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness that Allah has led you to, and maybe you will appreciate it.” (Al Baqarah , 185)

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. As mentioned above, healthy Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan from the onset of puberty. Those who are exempt from fasting are the sick, travelers and women during menstruation.

Those who miss the fasting day during Ramadan must fast after Ramadan to make up the fasting day. If they cannot fast after Ramadan, they can feed one poor person for each day of the fast. The fasting time in Islam is from dawn to sunset. During these times, Muslims fast throughout the month from food, drink, and other physical demands, such as sexual relations.

Ramadan has two main meals during the day. The first is called “Suhoor”, eaten before dawn, and the second is called “Iftar”, which is a meal “breaking the fast” at sunset and the Maghreb calls for prayers. Breaking the fast with dates and water is a hadith (tradition of the Prophet).

Family and friends often get together for iftar or post-iftar gatherings. In many cultures, special dishes are prepared for the holy month.

Muslims also practice spiritual reflection during Ramadan, increasing worship and acts of charity, such as reading the Qur’an, offering special prayers and donating money to those in need.

In addition to the five obligatory prayers during Ramadan (Fajr, Dhuhur, Asr, Maghreb, Isha), many Muslims perform the optional Taraweeh prayer and Qyam prayer. The former takes place after the evening prayer ‘Isha’ and Qyam takes place before the ‘Fajr’ prayer and usually before the end of the Suhoor.

During Ramadan, Muslims read the Quran, and many plan to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan. Muslims can often be found reading the Qur’an on public transport to meet their reading goals for the month.

Ramadan is also the month to increase charitable activities and cultivate compassion and empathy for those in need. Many people donate money and food to the poor.

During Ramadan, there is a night that is considered one of the most important and holiest nights of the Islamic year. Laylat Al Qadr is the night when the first verse of the Qur’an is revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Qur’an describes it as a night better than a thousand months. The exact date of Laylat al Qadr is unknown, but it falls on the last 10 nights of Ramadan. That is why for the past 10 nights many Muslims will increase their prayers – praying, reading the Qur’an, supplicating and seeking forgiveness for their sins while seeking the mercy and blessings of Laylat al Qadr and the holy month.