In 2023, Ramadan should take place from March 22 to April 21, but the official dates will only be confirmed during the Night of Doubt which allows for more precise observation of the moon.
the Ramadan corresponds to holy month for all Muslims around the world. From a religious point of view, it is a blessed month during which practitioners must hold a fast from dawn until sunset. Other obligations and customs must also be respected. History, traditions, prohibitions… Here is the information you need to know about Ramadan.
What is the date of Ramadan in 2023?
We cannot say precisely what will be the Ramadan date for the year 2023. Ramadan fasting should start on March 22 and end one month later on April 21, 2023. It will be during the Night of Doubtorganized shortly before the start of the fast that the dates of Ramadan 2023 will be confirmed, as every year, by the Muslim religious authorities.
Why will there be two Ramadans in 2030?
Ramadan dates change every year. They depend on the Muslim calendar, also known as the “Hijri” calendar, and the Gregorian calendar. The Muslim calendar is lunar, the second solar. “From one year to another, the beginning of the Muslim year shifts 10 to 12 days in relation to the seasons”explains the Paris Observatory website. Which explains why there will be two Ramadans in 2030, one will fall in January and the other in December of the same year.
What is the origin of Ramadan?
To find the origin of Ramadan, we must go back to the year 610. The angel Gabriel would have appeared to the prophet Muhammad in order to reveal the Koran to him. This revelation – Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Destiny – would have occurred during Ramadan. It is to commemorate this event that Muslims practice fasting for a month. Formed by the Arabic root “ar-ramad”, Ramadan means “scorching heat”.
What to eat during Ramadan?
Dates, Chorba, Harira, semolina, wheat, oriental pastries… Every evening, when the sun goes down, the fast can be broken. It’s’iftar, or the evening meal. Until dawn – hour of theimsak – Muslims are allowed to eat and drink.
What are the prohibitions during Ramadan?
In addition to fasting, practitioners must observe very strict behavioral rules and respect certain prohibitions. During this ascetic period, it is forbidden to have sex during the day, to smoke, to make obscene remarks or to wear make-up. It is important to note that inadvertent eating does not imply atonement or catch-up fasting. The stunned thus benefits from a certain indulgence. Conversely, a deliberate transgression of the rules recommended by Ramadan annuls the fast. Finally, Muslims practicing Ramadan pray five times a day, one of the prayers taking place at the time of breaking the fast. Since the prayer times are determined by the movement of the sun, they must refer to a calendar of prayer times.
Who can follow Ramadan?
All pubescent people are targeted by the fast. Some Muslims may however be exempted from this practice in strictly defined cases: in case of chronic illness, pregnancy, travel or old age.
What is Eid al Fitr?
This year, Eid al-Fitr should be held on Friday, April 21, 2023. This day marks the breaking of the fast of the month of Ramadan. Still called “Little party”, as opposed to the Big party of the‘Aïd el-Kébir (or Aïd-Al Adha, day of the sacrifice), Eid al-Fitr gives rise to various festivities. After a prayer at the mosque, Muslims, on the occasion of a hearty lunch, can offer themselves gifts or different dishes, traditionally pastries. This is also the time to fulfill the religious obligation of Zakat, namely charity.
Zakat El Fitr: the amount fixed at 7 euros
It is also a tradition that practitioners adorn themselves with new clothes and give alms for breaking the fast dedicated to the poor and called Zakat El Fitr. This custom thus makes it possible to validate the fasting month of Ramadan. It is generally the father of the family who pays a sum of one amount of 7 euro to each member of the family for whom he is responsible.
To wish a happy Ramadan to loved ones, it is customary to pronounce “Ramadan mubarak” !