18/06/2015
Ramadan 2015: Everything you need to know
The first day of Ramadan has been confirmed as Thursday June 18 by the moonsighting commitee.
What is Ramadan all about?
When is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This year, as far as the Gregorian calendar is concerned, Ramadan starts on June 18 .
How long does it last? Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days, or one complete moon cycle. The moon sighting determines the duration.
“Greet people by saying “Ramadan Kareem”. This roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan””
How do we know when it starts? A moon-sighting committee in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will make an official announcement.
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.
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.
How do you greet each other? Greet people by saying “Ramadan Kareem”. This roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan”.
Iftar Guide
Take the greetings online by using the hashtag and .
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.
''The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and the clear proof for guidance and criterion. So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and doesn't intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you: and perhaps you will be grateful.''
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
How do Muslims observe Ramadan? Adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding are not required to fast. Those who were travelling or are unwell during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast unless they have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
In addition to abstaining from eating, drinking, and smoking, Muslims also refrain from s*xual relations as well as sinful speech and behaviour.
During Ramadan, Muslims pray every night for 30 days, reciting different chapters each day until the Quran is completed by Eid Al Fitr. This is called the Taraweeh prayer which is recited after Isha prayers in mid-evening.
Why fasting? Fasting redirects the heart away from distractions, with its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those less fortunate. It encourages generosity and charity.
When do Muslims break fast? Fast may be broken at sunset before Maghrib prayers after ‘Azaan’ (call for prayers). This occurs just after sunset. Dates are traditionally the first food to be eaten each evening. The fast-breaking meal is called Iftar.
You can read the UAE’s most comprehensive guide to Iftar offerings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi here.
When does fasting start? Each morning before sunrise, Muslims engage in a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. Afterwards they begin the Fajr prayers.
When does Ramadan end? Ramadan ends after 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and it is considered a public holiday. The government will announce the exact holiday dates nearer the time.
