Ramazan: Understanding its history and traditions

The sighting of the new crescent moon marks the start of Ramazan, the most sacred month in Islam.

(Web Desk) – The sighting of the new crescent moon of Ramazan, that signifies the first official day of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the most religiously significant time of year for Muslims around the world as it is considered as the most sacred month in Islamic culture. 

It also marks the month in which the Quran — the holy book of Islam — was revealed to Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The start of Ramadan fluctuates each year because the lunar Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia. The first day begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon, which can be tricky since it’s quite faint and can be seen for only about 20 minutes. If the moon isn’t visible to the naked eye because of haze or clouds, lunar calculations are used to predict whether it’s in the sky.

In many Arab countries this year, Ramazan is predicted to begin on May 6, and to end June 3 with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Origin of Ramazan

Ramazan, one of the months in the Islamic calendar, was also part of ancient Arabs’ calendars. The naming of Ramazan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. Muslims believe that in 610 A.D. the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book. That revelation, Laylat Al Qadar—or the “Night of Power”— is believed to have occurred during Ramazan. Muslims fast during that month as a way to commemorate the revelation of the Quran.

The Quran consists of 114 chapters and is taken to be the direct words of God, or Allah. The hadith, or accounts by the companions of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) thoughts and deeds, supplement the Quran. Together they form the religious texts of Islam.

The month of observance

During Ramazan, Muslims aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah. They do this by praying and reciting the Quran, making their actions intentional and selfless, and abstaining from gossiping, lying, and fighting.

Throughout the month, Muslims fast, also refraining from drinking and sexual intercourse between sunrise and sunset.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims, except for the ill, pregnant, traveling, elderly, or menstruating.

Days missed, fasting can be made up throughout the rest of the year, either all at once or one day here and there.

Meals are opportunities for Muslims to gather with others in the community and break their fast together.

Pre-dawn breakfast, or suhoor, usually occurs around 4:00am. before the first prayer of the day, fajr. The evening meal, iftar, can begin after the sunset prayer, Maghreb.

Since Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) broke his fast with dates and a glass of water, Muslims eat dates at both suhoor and iftar. A staple of the Middle East, dates are rich in nutrients, easy to digest, and provide the body with sugar after a long day of fasting. 

After the last day of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr three days of festivities where Muslims gather to pray, eat, exchange gifts, and pay their respects to deceased relatives.