Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules that believers must follow – and is very important during the holy month. At the end of the month, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, with festivals lasting up to three days. Here is when it is expected to fall this year, and the celebrations explained.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and marks the moment when the Qur’an is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God with a one-month fast. Its name literally means “hot heat” in Arabic. Muslims are required to spend a period of 30 days abstaining from food and drink, including water, during the day as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Sahada (statement of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and Hajj pilgrimage. During Ramadan, there is an increased offering of Salat, with Muslims thanking Allah, while the ritual of fasting allows them to understand the sufferings of others. Those who fast are encouraged to read the Qur’an and the holy text is recited in Tarawih, special night prayers that take place throughout the month.
When does Ramadan end?
The Muslim calendar is governed by the lunar cycle, which means that the month of Ramadan begins as soon as the new crescent appears in the sky and ends after 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. In the United Kingdom, Ramadan 2022 started on the night of April 2 and is expected to last until May 1. The sighting of the next crescent will mark the end of the holy month and the arrival of Saul, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar Hijri. The Muslim Aid charity explains: “The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the holy month of Ramadan falls about 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. “
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr takes place immediately after Ramadan, which means it is expected to fall on May 2 this year. The festivities can last up to three days, depending on where you are in the world. Its name comes from an Arabic term that translates as “fasting holiday” and although it is not an official holiday in the UK, it is in many Muslim countries. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims every year, the other being Eid al-Adha, which falls later in the summer and honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. It is considered a spiritual celebration of Allah’s gift of strength and endurance. It is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, when people are expected to offer and show kindness. Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid, unlike the previous 30 days. Eid celebrations will begin with dawn prayers, which are usually held in a mosque, although lockdown restrictions may affect the number of people allowed in a place of worship. The holy day focuses heavily on family and friends, with many in the community meeting to share food and stories.
How does Moon observation work?
There is some debate as to whether the idea of a lunar eclipse should refer to you who naturally watch the moon in your area, something that could be hindered by factors such as the weather, or whether you should postpone viewing in Saudi Arabia or in other areas. Some people argue that technological advances in astronomy mean that the new moon rise can be calculated with unprecedented accuracy, meaning that a standard start date can be used for all Muslims worldwide, rather than variants. Because the Ramadan festival is based on the lunar calendar, the position of the month in the most widely used Gregorian calendar varies.
