When is Ramadan 2023:
Ramadan, an anticipated period of spiritual devotion and reflection, is expected to commence on Thursday, March 23, 2023 (as per Saudi Arabia), drawing to a close on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The cherished festival of Eid al Fitr is projected to grace us on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates are tentative, contingent upon the sighting of the moon.
Understanding Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri Calendar), holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. Its duration fluctuates between 29 and 30 days, awaiting the sighting of the Shawwal Moon that heralds the much-celebrated Eid ul Fitr on the 1st day of Shawwal. This sacred month represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Notably, it commemorates the initial revelation of Al-Quran to the Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.).
The term 'Ramadan' originates from the Arabic word 'Ramad / Ramida,' meaning scorching heat or drought. Thus, Ramadan embodies a time of abstention from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk.
Obligatory Fasting: A Sacred Commitment
Millions of Muslims worldwide honor their commitment to faith by observing fasts from dawn to dusk throughout the entire month of Ramadan. This period holds immense significance for the global Muslim community.
Fasting, known as 'ayuno' in Spanish, 'Jeûne' in French, 'Perhiz' in Turkish, 'صوم/ صيام' in Arabic, and 'Puasa' in Indonesian and Malay, represents a dedication to refraining from sustenance, drink, intimate relations, and actions that breach the fast, all in obedience to Allah's command. Denying this obligation severs one's connection to the faith.
Suhoor and Iftar: Bookending the Day
The pre-dawn meal, 'Suhoor,' marks the initiation of the fasting day, while the evening meal following sunset (Maghrib Salah) is referred to as 'Iftar.' These moments of nourishment emphasize the balance between spiritual devotion and self-care.
The obligation of fasting during Ramadan was established for all adult Muslims in the second year of Hijri. The Quran encapsulates this mandate, emphasizing that fasting cultivates piety and righteousness.
As Ramadan 2023 approaches, let us anticipate a period of spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and devotion. May the essence of this sacred month inspire us to grow in faith and draw closer to the divine.
Who is exempted from Fasting:
Ramadan 2023 is anticipated to commence on Thursday, March 23, 2023 (as per Saudi Arabia), culminating on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The cherished Eid al Fitr is set to grace us on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates, subject to moon sighting, mark a period of profound spiritual significance.
Excused from Fasting: Legitimate Reasons
While fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every able Muslim, Allah has pardoned and excused specific individuals due to valid reasons. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185) emphasizes that sick people and travelers are exempted. Scholarly consensus extends this exemption to include the following:
Physically or mentally ill individuals
Travelers
Women during menstruation
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Elderly individuals (when fasting threatens health)
Children who haven't reached puberty
Invalidation of Fasting: Key Factors
Certain actions invalidate the fast. These include:
Intentional nasal or ear medication
Deliberate vomiting
Accidental water ingestion during gargling
Ejaculation due to physical contact with a woman
Swallowing foreign objects
Cigarette smoking
Continued eating/drinking after unintentional consumption, assuming the fast is already broken
Consuming pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) assuming it's before Suhoor time
Breaking fast (Iftar) before sunset, believing it's after sunset
Month of Divine Blessings
Ramadan presents a divine opportunity for believers to seek forgiveness, draw near to Allah, and fulfill their spiritual obligations. The Quran emphasizes: "And men who fast and women who fast, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35)
Forgiveness and Reward
The blessed words of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) echo the promise of Ramadan's blessings: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari: 38)
Heaven's Gates Unveiled
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) beautifully describes Ramadan's arrival: "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." (Sahih Bukhari: 1899)
Enhanced Reward: Seventyfold Blessings
Salmaan Farsi (R.A.) shares the Prophet's words on the magnified rewards of this month: "It is a month in which Allah Has made fasting obligatory by day and Taraweeh Salah by night... Whoever wants to draw close to Allah through good deeds shall be rewarded as if he performed a fardh (obligation) at any other time." (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith No. 1887)
Maximize Your Ramadan
Recite Quran Kareem: Ramadan's significance as the "month of the Quran" beckons believers to engage with its verses. Taraweeh prayers provide an opportunity to complete the recitation during the month.
Embrace Itikaf: Devote the last 10 days to intensive worship, aligning with the Sunnah.
Offer Tarawih Prayers: Participate in nightly prayers to complete the Quran's recitation within the month.
Practice Zakat: Charity gains special significance in Ramadan, purifying wealth for the deserving.
Embrace the Blessings
As Ramadan approaches, seize the chance to draw closer to Allah. Engage in prayers, charity, and self-reflection to maximize the blessings this sacred month bestows. Seek Allah's forgiveness, cultivate devotion, and hope for abundant rewards in this world and the hereafter.