When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This year, according to the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan starts on June 6. (The first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on Monday June 6 but this will only be confirmed closer to the date by the moon sighting committee based in Saudi Arabia.)
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It is regarded as the holiest month of the year as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
How long does it last?
Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration.
What does the moon have to do with it?
Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the new crescent moon. Effectively the 30 day period is the entire moon cycle.
How do we know when it starts?
A moon-sighting committee in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will make an official announcement.
Why Saudi Arabia?
Makkah is considered the holiest city in Islam. Not only was it the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), but also the location where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had his first revelation of the Quran. Because of this, the rest of the Islamic world follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
Dos and Dont’s during Ramadan Timings
Dont’s
* Don’t smoke, drink or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. This includes while you are driving as well as in public places such as shopping malls.
* Don’t sing and dance in public
* Don’t be overly rowdy. Keep stereos on a low volume while driving, on the beach or in your house, so as not to disturb your Muslim neighbours
* Don’t wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public, modesty is key during Ramadan. This includes when you are heading for a night out.
* Don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive.
Dos
* Do smoke, drink and eat in privacy of your home or hotel room.
* Do get sociable in the evenings for Iftar
* Do dress conservatively. Avoid going to public places like shopping centers and parks wearing shorts, mini-skirts or sleeveless outfits.
* Do give to the poor and help the needy. Ramadan is renown for its charitable nature. You don have to spend the earth small gestures go a long way.
* Do say “Ramadan Kareem” to your Muslim friends and colleagues.
How do you greet each other?
Greet people by saying “Ramadan Kareem”. This roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan”.
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