Ramadan 2023: Sehri/Iftar Date, Time, Holiday, History, Significance & More about holy month

Ramadan is the Islamic calendar’s ninth month. The month of Ramadan is devoted to fasting and prayer, and Muslims all over the world fast during this holy month. Fasting during Ramadan, according to Muslim believers, strengthens their connection with God.

Ramadan is a month of fasting and abstinence from things that are deemed impure for the mind and body. Ramadan participants fast from food, drink, and impure thoughts between the hours of sunrise (Fajr) and sunset, enabling them to concentrate on prayer.

During Ramadan, many Muslims visit the mosque and worship for several hours. In addition to the five daily prayers required by Islam, Muslims perform a special prayer known as the “Tarawih” prayer which is also called the night prayer.

Ramadan 2023 Date & Time Calendar

The dates of Ramadan vary depending on the location of the country. But for India, it will begin on Friday, March 24, 2023, after the sighting of the moon (Ramadan Moon) over Mecca.

According to reports, the crescent of Ramadan first sighted in Saudi Arabia two days back but there was no sighting in India on 22nd March evening, so the first roza will take place on 24th now.

The holy month of Ramadan will end on Friday, April 21, 2023, and Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 22, 2023 on Sunday.

Ramadan History

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad by the God in 610 A.D. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad was the final Prophet to receive Allah’s teachings and propagate the Islamic religion after the Quran, which is believed to be Allah’s direct word was revealed to him.

Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is a period for self-reflection and self-improvement for those who follow Islam. During this holy month, many people attempt to break bad habits and study the complete Quran. Furthermore, Ramadan is a time for family and society, with people spending time with loved ones and volunteering to assist those in need.

Fasting also serves as a reminder to Ramadan participants of the plight of the poor and less privileged. Throughout the history of Ramadan, it has been customary to give to the less fortunate and contribute to charity (Zakat), which is one of Islam’s Five Pillars.

Rules of Fasting During Ramadan

Muslims have to restrain themselves from food and drink from dusk till dawn for 30 days during the month of Ramadan. The person who is fasting during the month of Ramadan has to restrain themselves from having food, drinks (including water), and even chewing gum.

Everyone who is Muslim and capable of fasting has to fast during the holy month. However, due to the physical dangers of fasting for long periods of time, certain Muslims are exempt from fasting, and they are children under the age of 14, pregnant women, people of elderly age, and people who are suffering from some illness.

Because Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, it is customary for them to eat a meal before sunrise (Suhoor) and a meal after sundown (Iftar).