Lidasan: FAQ about Ramadhan

Lidasan: FAQ about Ramadhan



A FRIEND of mine asked me once, "why can't you eat or drink during the month of Ramadhan?" Or, "What happens during the Ramadhan?"

That's a question many Muslims get during Ramadhan.

Ramadhan for the year 2020 starts on the evening of Thursday, April 23rd or 24th depending on the moonsighting. This will last 30 days and ending at sundown on Saturday or Sunday, May 23 or 24, also depending on moonsighting.

Moonsighting refers to the manner in determining when a month in Hijrah calendar begins. Many Muslims believe that this is not a religious matter; it comes under Ilm-ul-Falakiat (Astronomy).

In the Hijrah calendar, Islamic holidays always begin at sundown and end at sundown the following day/days ending the holiday or festival. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Below is a shortlist of common questions Muslims get all the time about Ramadhan:

What is Ramadan/Ramadhan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Given the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar system, Ramadan begins on a different date each year. One reason why Ramadhan is special is that the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in this month.

Who celebrates Ramadhan?

Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadhan.

What do Muslims do during Ramadhan?

During this month, Muslims fast. This means they do not eat or drink anything from dawn to dusk. Young children, pregnant women, and those not healthy enough to fast are not required to observe the fast. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to read the Holy Qur'an, self-reflect, spend time with family and be more charitable.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadhan?

There are many reasons Muslims fast during Ramadan, some of these include:

1. To gain God's pleasure

2. To strengthen one's faith

3. To develop self-control

4. To remind oneself that there are many people in the world less fortunate than themselves.

What do Muslims do at the end of Ramadan?

Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, which means "The celebration of breaking the fast" or "Eid" for short. On Eid, Muslims give a special charity to the poor, go to the mosque for prayers, exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.

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