Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. In 2024, Ramadan lasts from the evening of Sunday, March 10 to the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Schools will be closed on Wednesday, April 10 in observance of Eid al Fitr.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Quran. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention.
A Few Fun Facts
- Muslims all over the world regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or race participate in fasting for the entire month of Ramadan.
- Ramadan is the most important month on the Islamic calendar. Most of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan each year.
- The new moon determines the start of Ramadan. The starting date depends on a lunar calendar that doesn't match up with the solar calendar.
- People fasting only eat before the sun rises and after the sun sets. The meal taken before sunrise is called Suhoor, and the meal after sunset is Iftar. Children are not obliged to fast until they reach puberty, but some choose to observe it in preparation for their adulthood.
- Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, along with the testimony of faith, prayer, charitable giving, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Ramadan is a month for generosity and giving. It is known as a month of simplicity and a time to remember those who are less fortunate than us.