Millions of Muslims in the UK and around the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan.It is a month of fasting, reflection, community and family time.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It has a special significance in Islam. It is during this month that Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran - Islam's holy book - were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
During
this period, Muslims are encouraged to fast and to give to charity, to show
kindness and patience and to strengthen their relationship with God.
Extra
emphasis is placed on reciting the Quran.
Why do Muslims fast?
Fasting
is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which lay the basis for how Muslims are
required to live their lives.
The
other pillars are the profession of faith, prayer five times a day, zakat - a
form of charity, and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca once in
their lifetime.
Fasting
during Ramadan is meant to encourage spiritual reflection.
Muslims
have an early morning meal before dawn, known as suhoor or sehri.
During
the day, they are not supposed to eat or drink anything - including water -
until after sunset, when they break their fast with an evening meal, called
iftar or fitoor.
Some
Muslims are however exempt from fasting. They include children who have not
reached puberty, pregnant or breastfeeding women, menstruating women, those who
are ill or whose health could be affected by fasting and those who are
travelling.
What do you say at the start of Ramadan?
If
you want to wish someone a good start of Ramadan, it is customary to say
"Ramadan Mubarak", which means "Blessed Ramadan". You can
also say "Ramadan Kareem", which translates as "Generous
Ramadan".
How long does Ramadan last?
The
Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. Each month begins with the sighting
of the new crescent moon and lasts either 29 or 30 days.
In
2024, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days, with fasting starting on Monday 11
March and predicted to end on Tuesday April 9.
What are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Eid
al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two main festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Eid
al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to be celebrated on April
10 this year. Like Ramadan, it starts with the first sighting of the new moon.
Eid
al-Adha is celebrated just over two months after Eid al-Fitr and lasts for four
days
It
coincides with the later part of the Hajj - the annual pilgrimage to Mecca -
and this year is expected to fall around 16 to 20 June.
Eid
al-Adha means "feast of the sacrifice" and it commemorates prophet's
Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac on God's orders.
What happens at Eid?
During
both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, many Muslims attend prayers at their mosque
in the morning. Before Eid prayers, Muslims are required to make a donation to
a charity to help feed the poor.
Both
Eid days are moments of great celebration, with families and friends coming
together and sharing large meals. It is also common for children to receive
either money or small gifts from their elders.
To
wish someone well at Eid, you can say "Eid Mubarak", which means
"Blessed Eid". (By Aleem Maqbool and Sara Monetta / BBC News)
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