Ramadan 2023 is upon us, a religious observance where Muslims find a sense of peace and test their devotion to God. It is one of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar observed by around 1.8 billion Muslims all over the world.
Ramadan commences in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims across the world observe a month of fasting (known as sawm), prayer, reflection and community. In the UK, the start of Ramadan commenced on the evening of March 22 and is expected to conclude on April 21, subject to a moon sighting which signifies the start of Eid.
It is honoured in many different ways around the globe to mark the special occasion, from Iftar gatherings (Iftar- the opening of one’s fast) to household decorations and traditional foods, to mark its arrival.
READ MORE: When is Ramadan 2023? Everything you need to know and all the events in Bristol
Why do Muslims observe Ramadan?
It is the month in which the Quran is believed to be revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. As a commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, and so months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is seen in the sky. This is why Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons, as the Islamic year is 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year.
When do Muslims have to fast?
Fasting from dawn to sunset is fard - meaning obligatory - for all adult Muslims. Those who are exempt are people who are acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.
During the fasting period, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and bad language or behaviour. The act of fasting is believed to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and practice self-discipline.
The time spent fasting differs day-to-day and year-on-year, as the number of hours can differ dramatically depending on the time of the year. A full timetable for Ramadan 2023 is available on the Hamari website, which details the exact times for sunrise and sunset.
How should you wish someone a 'Happy Ramadan'?
Ramadan Mubarak
Pronounced Ram-a-dan Moo-ba-rak, Ramadan Mubarak is Arabic meaning "Blessed Ramadan" and is how you would traditionally wish someone a Happy Ramadan. When the month of Ramadan comes to an end, you would say "Eid Mubarak" to wish someone a Happy Eid.
'Ramadan Kareem'
This means 'Have a generous Ramadan', wishing people many good rewards during the month, which can be said in response.
As-salamu Alaykum
You also may hear 'As-salamu Alaykum' - pronounced A-salaam-oo a-lay-koom, which can be said when either saying hello to someone or saying goodbye. It is a traditional Arabic greeting and means "peace be upon you".
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