The Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is observed to uphold ‘Sawm’, one of the five pillars of Islam. Sawm means fasting, which is important to Muslims, as it teaches dedication, humility, and self-control. Fasting also shows us the struggles of the poor and needy who do not have access to essential resources like food and water.

In this hadith, the significance of Ramadan is shown; “Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”

This should encourage Muslims to increase their worship and eliminate bad deeds.

When Does Ramadan Start in 2024?

Ramadan will start on the evening of 10 March 2024, according to the sighting of the moon. It will end on Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the 1^st of Shawwal.

Fasting During Ramadan

In Ramadan, fasting is compulsory for anyone who is ‘Baligh’ (mature and reached puberty). For girls, this is from the age of around nine to 15, while for boys, it is from around the ages of 12-15. If a person is healthy, fit and not travelling, they must fast.

Who Is Exempt from Fasting?

Those who are ill or on medication are excused from fasting. So are the elderly, young children, those who are traveling, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and menstruating women.

One should try to make up for fasts that they have missed during Ramadan if they were exempt, but if this is not possible, they can pay Fidya. If someone purposefully breaks their fast during Ramadan, which is forbidden unless there is a valid reason, they must either fast for 60 consecutive days or pay Kaffarah.

The Night of Power - Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr is the Night of Power, which is when Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel, and it can fall on any of the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, although many Muslims think it falls on the 27th night. Since there are differences in when Muslims start Ramadan, it is not known when the odd nights are for sure. Therefore, Muslims use the last 10 days and nights to increase worship and repent to Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for their sins.

Using Ramadan Wisely

Fasting in Ramadan holds a lot of reward. There are many voluntary acts of worship that you can do, including feeding another Muslim, sponsoring an orphan, praying Nafl prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving charity.

Donate to Muslim Aid this Ramadan. Your donations will allow us to help those in need around the world. Many Muslims do not have food to break their fasts with, and they need your support. Make Ramadan a more enjoyable and easy time for them by donating here.