Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, which means its dates change every year. The Islamic calendar follows the moon’s cycles, with each month beginning once a new moon is sighted. This lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun. As a result, Ramadan shifts by approximately ten days each year.
The starting date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Shaban. Muslim communities worldwide rely on local moon sighting committees or religious authorities to determine the precise date. These committees or authorities scan the sky for the new moon after sunset on the 29th day of the previous Islamic month. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan begins the next day; if not, the month of Shaban extends by one more day, and Ramadan begins on the following day.
Ramadan consists of 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. The majority of Muslims follow the tradition of fasting from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan. They abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. Prior to sunrise, Muslims partake in a pre-fast meal called Suhoor, which sustains them throughout the day. At sunset, when the call to prayer is heard, it is time to break the fast with a meal called Iftar.
The timing for Suhoor and Iftar varies depending on the geographical location and sunrise/sunset times. Muslims rely on their local prayer timetables or Islamic organizations to determine the accurate times for these meals. Islamic scholars use a variety of methods, including astronomical calculations and observing the sunset and dawn, to determine the precise timing during Ramadan.
The length of the fasting day also varies based on the geographical location and the time of year. In regions closer to the equator, the fasting period may be shorter due to the relatively short duration between sunrise and sunset. Conversely, in regions further away from the equator, such as northern latitudes, Muslims may experience longer fasting periods, especially during the summer months.
Ramadan is not only about fasting and abstaining from physical needs; it also emphasizes spiritual reflection and increased acts of worship. Muslims engage in additional prayers, recitation of the Quran, and charitable giving during this blessed month. These acts of piety are not limited to specific times of the day but can be performed at any time during the day or night.
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims eagerly search for the appearance of the new moon, signaling the start of the next Islamic month, Shawwal. This new month brings the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and share feasts with family and friends in celebration of this festive occasion.
In conclusion, Ramadan is celebrated based on the sighting of the moon and follows the lunar calendar. Its timing varies from year to year and is determined by local moon sighting committees or religious authorities. Muslims observe fasts from dawn to sunset, abstain from physical needs, engage in increased acts of worship, and partake in special meals at specific times during this sacred month. Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, spirituality, and community, reminding Muslims of the importance of compassion, gratitude, and discipline.