Ramadan 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations Explained

Ramadan 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations Explained

Ramadan 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations Explained

Ramadan, considered the most sacred month for Muslims, is on its doorstep. In India, it is starting from  March 10 or 11  whereas in countries like Saudi Arabia and Dubai, it has already started from March 9 . During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast, pray and pray to Allah. Let us know in detail what Ramadan is, what do Muslims do during fasting in this month and what happens during this period.

 

 

What is Ramzan?

Ramadan 2024

Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam. During this period, about 1.8 billion Muslims of the world keep fast.

This month of fasting is decided according to the Islamic calendar, which is based on the sighting of the moon. According to the Islamic calendar, the month of Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the calendar. The beginning of Ramadan depends on the moon.

 

 

 

What do Muslims do in Ramadan?

Ramadan 2024

People who believe in the religion of Islam keep fast during Ramadan. During this period, there is no eating or drinking anything after morning namaz till sunset. During Ramadan, fasting people, along with offering prayers, recite the Quran Sharif, give Zakat (charity) and try to do such work which brings reward (virtue). During Ramadan, apart from abstaining from food and drink during the day, one has to abstain from misbehaviour, lies, fights and anger. Even on normal days, all these things are prohibited, but in Ramadan, it is especially seen as an opportunity to remove one’s evil and become a good person. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after completion of one month of fasting.

 

 

 

Why is the month of Ramadan considered a holy month?

The month of Ramadan is also important for Muslims because in this month the holy book of Islam, Quran Sharif, started being revealed (sent from Allah). Which later became the guide of Islam religion. Later on, this same book told Muslims the way to live life, fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of those ways.

 

 

 

Why is fasting observed?

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam (Kalma, Namaz, Zakat, Roza and Hajj). That is why people who follow this religion keep fast. Apart from this, the practice of fasting also serves many spiritual and social purposes. The month of Ramadan is, in a way, a month of training for Muslims because during this time, people observing Roza observe Namaz, give Sadaqah (charity), give Zakat, and help the poor. And Islam always teaches to do all these things.

During fasting, eyes, ears, nose and mouth are kept away from food and drink. This means that you should not say bad things, do not think bad about anyone and do not hurt anyone.

 

Many times people eat or drink something by mistake and in this situation they break the fast out of fear. But this should not be done, if you accidentally eat or drink something during the fast, then the rules say that your fast will still be complete.

 

 

 

It is important to take care of the needy

Zakat (charity) has been given great importance in Islam and it is considered even better in the month of Ramadan. Donating in the month of Ramadan gives more reward. It is narrated that Prophet Mohammad has said that before Iftar in the month of Ramadan, check about your neighbours whether they have anything to eat or not. Similarly, before Eid, check your neighbours whether they have money to buy new clothes or not.

 

 

 

 

 

What happens differently in the month of Ramadan?

Taraweeh

Taraweeh is also a part of Ramadan worship. This namaz is offered only in Ramzan. In Taraweeh one prays 20 Rakats and takes some rest after every 4 Rakats. Taraweeh means long prayer.

 

Sehri

Roza starts from Fajr at Sahar time and continues till Azaan at Maghrib in the evening. Sahar means morning. At that time, with the intention of fasting, we eat something moderately as a ritual. This morning meal is called Sehri. Sehri can be done till Fajr namaz starts.

 

Iftar

Iftar means opening of a restriction. There are restrictions on eating and drinking throughout the day during Ramadan. And this restriction ends as soon as Maghrib Azaan is called in the evening. That is why it is called Iftari. Breaking Iftar with dates is considered Afzal (priority) in Islam.

 

Sawab (virtue) in Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is the month of maximum reward (virtue) for Muslims. In comparison to the good deeds done on other days, the reward for good deeds in Ramadan is 70 times more. The reward of Fard prayers (Farz Namaz) increases 70 times, while the reward of Sunnah and Nafl prayers is made equal to Fard.

 

 

 

 

According to Islam, for whom is fasting necessary?

It is mentioned in both the Quran and Hadith that it is obligatory for every adult woman and man to fast in the month of Ramadan. However, there is an exemption for those people who fall ill, are very old, do not have the strength to fast and are mentally ill. But it is not that the sick have been completely exempted. The issue here is that when the sick person gets cured, he should fast at the first opportunity and if the illness continues for a long time, then 60 poor people will have to be fed food both the times, or 60 poor people will have to be given two and a quarter kilos of wheat per person. Or they will have to pay accordingly. If someone is on a journey and is not able to fast, then he has the convenience of fasting as soon as he finishes the journey.

 

So this was all about the holy month of Ramadan.  This Ramadan 2024 celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm and get ready for fun filled Eid.

 

 

 

FAQs:-

1. What is Ramadan and why is it celebrated?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

 

2. When does Ramadan 2024 start?
Ramadan 2024 is expected to start on March 10 or 11, depending on the sighting of the moon. It ends on April 9, followed by Eid al-Fitr.

 

3. What is Sehri?
Sehri refers to the pre-dawn meal consumed before the fast begins at Fajr (dawn). It is taken as a spiritual practice and to sustain energy throughout the day.

 

4. What is Iftar?
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast during Ramadan, immediately after sunset. Traditionally, it begins with the consumption of dates followed by a larger meal.

 

5. What is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is a special nightly prayer performed during Ramadan. It consists of 20 Rakats and is conducted in congregation at mosques after the Isha prayer.

 

6. Who is required to fast during Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable. Exceptions are made for individuals who are ill, pregnant, menstruating, traveling, or elderly.

 

7. How is charity emphasized during Ramadan?
Charity, known as Zakat, holds special significance during Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, and the rewards for charitable acts are multiplied during this holy month.

 

8. What are the benefits of fasting in Ramadan?
Fasting fosters self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual growth. It strengthens one’s relationship with Allah, promotes gratitude, and fosters solidarity with the less fortunate.

 

9. Can fasting be broken under certain circumstances?
Fasting can be broken in cases of illness, pregnancy, travel, or other valid reasons. However, missed fasts must be made up later, either by fasting at a later date or by providing food for the needy.

 

10. How can non-Muslims support their fasting friends during Ramadan?
Non-Muslims can show support and respect by being considerate of their fasting friends’ schedules and dietary restrictions, participating in Ramadan activities, and understanding the significance of this holy month.

 

 

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