What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holy ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. Muslims begin the month of Ramadan the first morning after the crescent moon is visibly sighted and end it in the night that the crescent moon disappears. Traditionally, Muslims used their naked eyes to watch the start of the crescent moon and hence different Ramadan periods were declared all over the world. Due to the advancements in technology, astronomical calculations are now used to set an accurate Ramadan dates all over the world.

The start of the Ramadan month is always late April to mid-May. In 2018, Ramadan will begin at the sunset on May 15^th and end mid-June.

 It is the time that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah. In Islamic culture, this is the most sacred month which is regarded as the month of the Quran. During this holy month, Muslims fast and refrain from worldly pleasures. It is the month of prayers and reconnecting with Allah. The month that Muslims are required to repent all their sins and merciful Allah will listen and grant them forgiveness.

Muslim families gather and celebrate the holy month. It is a powerful symbol of Unity and love where Muslims, sacrifice and share with the less fortunate in the society. It is also a period of spiritual growth. Every Muslim is required to reestablish his relationship with Allah through prayers and fasting.

Muslims from all over the world interact through prayers, Mosque summons, and charitable work. The associate professor of religion and Muslim studies at the Texas Christian University said that community mosques in the US. Host Muslims from over 30 different countries.  People from other religious denominations are also welcome to worship and share Ramadan blessings with the Muslims.