What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, where many Muslims refrain from eating during the hours of daylight. This is believed to teach self-discipline and make Muslims aware of suffering and the poor. Ramadan is the time to remember the month the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
When is Ramadan 2023?
In 2023, Ramadan begins on Friday, March 24, 2023 until Friday, April 21, 2023 (although dates may slightly vary).
The date of Ramadan varies from year to year, depending on the sighting of the new moon and also the moon’s location. This means that across the world there can be a time difference for the start of Ramadan of up to one day!
What happens during Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the holy Muslim calendar, where Muslims fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset. They use the fast to think about those less fortunate than themselves, dedicating themselves to prayer, reading the Qu’ran and performing good deeds. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday that occurs at the end of Ramadan. The meaning of Eid al-Fitr, translated from Arabic, means ‘the feast of the breaking of the fast’. Eid al-Fitr officially begins once the religious authorities have confirmed the sighting of the new moon. Approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will mark Eid as the sun sets and the moon rises on the last day of Ramadan.
What is the difference between Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr?
In short, Ramadan is a period of fasting, whereas Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fast and is the one day when Muslims are not allowed to fast.
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?
Muslims celebrate Eid in a number of ways. For example:
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A special set of prayers (known as Salat al-Eid) are recited in the mosque or in public parks, where Muslims give thanks to God (Allah) for giving them the strength to fast and to focus on how to be a better person. The prayers normally take place on the first morning of Eid.
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After prayers, Muslims have breakfast with family or friends. This will be their first daylight meal after a month of fasting.
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Major cities, such as London and Birmingham usually host public events over a period of several days to celebrate Eid. In previous years, thousands of people went to Trafalgar Square for music, entertainment, food and family activities.
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Muslims also give and exchange presents.
Facts About Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr for Kids
Check out these facts about Ramadan for kids to learn about Ramadan in more detail, they’re sure to impress friends and family!
1. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset. They will often eat a big breakfast before this known as ‘suhur.’
2. After sunset, many Muslims break the fast with dates, as they are easily digested and help raise blood sugar levels in the body.
3. The elderly, pregnant women or those who are ill are not expected to fast during Ramadan.
4. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, although some practice to help prepare themselves.
5. As well as celebrating the end of fasting, people also give each other gifts on Eid-al-Fitr. These include money, flowers, jewellery and more. These gifts are known as ‘Eidi.’
6. Eid-al-Fitr is one of two Eids in the Muslim calendar. The other is Eid-al-Adha, which commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.
What Is Eid And How Many Types Of Eid Are There?
Eid is the most important Muslim festival celebrated worldwide. There are two types of Eid. The first is Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid, and the second is Eid-ul-Adha or Eid-ul-Azha, also known as Bakra-Eid. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated to commemorate the thirty days of fasting or Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. In the Muslim calendar, it is the ninth month. When the new moon appears at the end of the month, the Eid celebrations officially begin.
Importance Of Eid
For Muslims, both Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are holy festivals. Eid-ul-Fitr is very important in the Islamic calendar, and Prophet Muhammad himself started its celebration. It is known as ‘The Feast of Breaking the Fast,’ and Muslims observe it all over the world to mark the conclusion of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Adha is observed to remember the willingness of Abraham/Ibrahim to sacrifice his son for Allah.
Rituals Of Eid
Prophet Muhammad started the ritual of celebrating Eid after the holy fasting month of Ramadan. It was first started in Mecca after the Prophet Muhammed reached there on the day of Eid. Muslims fast for one month of Ramadan, and during this month, they observe complete fasting during the day. As the month of Ramadan ends, they start preparing for Eid. Both men and women get ready in new dresses. Women wear accessories and apply mehndi or henna on their hands. Men wear traditional kurta pyjamas. Homes are decorated for celebrations and welcoming relatives to visit. When the Eid moon is sighted, Eid is believed to have begun. People start their celebrations by hugging. They greet their friends, relatives, and other community members by saying Eid Mubarak and Chaand Mubarak and praying for everyone’s wellness.
On the day of Eid, special prayers are offered, and charities are given. Kids receive many gifts and Eidi or money as a token of blessings from elders, an important Eid ritual. It is an important ritual to make sweet vermicelli or meethi seviyan on Eid. Along with sweet vermicelli, different kebabs, korma, biryani, etc., are also prepared and enjoyed with near and dear ones.
Celebration Of Eid
Eid is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. Everyone wakes up early, wears new clothes, and offers special Eid prayers. Men go to mosques to offer namaaz, whereas most women perform the namaaz at home. After the namaaz, it is customary for men to greet each other by hugging three times alternately. Special Eid food is prepared at home. People go to their relatives and friends’ houses to celebrate and offer Eid greetings and gifts. The celebrations can go on for two-three days. Eid, the festival of joy and celebration, brings delight and happiness to everyone’s life. Eid is the reward for all the good actions performed during Ramadan.