Ramadan 2024 Dates
Ramadan 2024 is anticipated to commence on Monday, March 11, 2024, (according to Saudi Arabia) and conclude on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Eid al Fitr 2024 is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. However, these dates are tentative and subject to the sighting of the moon.
Understanding Ramadan
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, varying between 29 and 30 days based on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon. It culminates in the eagerly awaited Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan marks the first revelation of the Al-Quran to Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The term ‘Ramadan’ originates from the Arabic word ‘Ramad/Ramida,’ signifying scorching heat or drought, symbolizing abstinence from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk.
Fasting during Ramadan
Fasting Obligation: Millions of Muslims globally observe fasting from dawn till dusk during Ramadan, considering it the most sacred month for the Muslim Ummah.
Multilingual Term: Fasting is known as ‘ayuno‘ in Spanish, ‘Jeûne’ in French, ‘Perhiz’ in Turkish, ’ صوم/ صيام ‘ in Arabic, and ‘Puasa’ in Indonesian and Malay. The word ‘Sawm / Siyam’ (صوم/ صيام) means to abstain or refrain from various activities to obey the commandments of Allah.
Meal Terminology: The pre-dawn meal is known as ‘Suhoor,’ and the meal after sunset (Maghrib Salah) is ‘Iftar.’
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Obligatory Fasting and Exemptions
Fasting Obligation: Fasting was made obligatory during the second year of Hijri on all adult Muslims. Allah, in the Quran, prescribed fasting to instill piety and righteousness.
Exemptions from Fasting: Certain individuals are exempted due to legitimate reasons: physically or mentally ill people, travelers, women during menstruation, pregnant or breastfeeding women, elderly individuals (if fasting adversely affects health), and children who have not reached puberty.
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Invalidating the Fast
Actions that Invalidate Fast: Various actions can invalidate one’s fast, including medication through the nose or ears, intentional vomiting, accidentally swallowing water while gargling, ejaculation due to contact with a woman, smoking a cigarette, and more.
Month of Allah’s Blessings
Opportunity for Worship: Ramadan is an opportunity for servants to come close to Allah, seek forgiveness, and fulfill religious duties. Allah promises forgiveness and a mighty reward for those who fast.
Forgiveness for Past Sins: Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.) proclaimed that whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward will have past sins forgiven.
Opening of Gates and Increased Rewards: The gates of heaven open, the gates of Hell close, and the reward for good deeds increases seventy times during Ramadan.
Making Most out of Ramadan
Recite Quran Kareem: Ramadan is the month of the Quran, encouraging Muslims to recite it. Tarawih Prayers in mosques are a way to complete the recitation.
Find Lailat ul Qadr: Muslims are advised to spend specific nights of Ramadan in worship to find Laylat ul Qadr, the ‘Night of Power.’
Observe Itikaf: Itikaf involves isolation in a Masjid or at home, dedicated to worship. It is Sunnah to sit in Itikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Offering Nightly Prayers and Paying Zakat
Nightly Prayers (Tarawih): Tarawih, extra prayers performed after Isha Prayers, involve reciting the Quran over the month.
Paying Zakat: Charity becomes more crucial during Ramadan, purifying wealth for Allah and aiding the poor.
Ensuring Righteous Behavior during Fasting
Guidelines for Fasting: Ensure fasting with the intention of seeking rewards, perform five prayers, provide food to others, avoid bad deeds, increase remembrance of Allah, offer voluntary Salah, and make supplications for oneself, family, and the Muslim Ummah.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a month of worship and contemplation, offering an opportunity to receive countless blessings from Allah. Muslims are encouraged to stand in prayer, seek forgiveness, and worship with dedication, anticipating Allah’s rewards in this world and the hereafter.
